Watford's Conservative MP has announced who he will be backing to become his party's next leader.

In a post on his Twitter account today, Dean Russell said he will be voting for Liz Truss, who is the current Foreign Secretary.

Mr Russell tweeted: "The person I strongly feel can unite our party, the country & win the next election is @trussliz [Liz Truss]

"She has a proven track record of delivery & vast experience across Whitehall & internationally. With a strong vision for the UK & the ability to deliver, I back Liz for leader."

After Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday that he will be resigning as leader of the Conservatives, a number of colleagues have put forward leadership bids.

Former chancellor Rishi Sunak, Attorney General Suella Braverman, ex-minister Kemi Badenoch and senior Tory Tom Tugendhat have all launched their bids with further announcements anticipated over the coming days.

Mr Russell's choice, Liz Truss, has yet to confirm her leadership bid but she is expected to stand. Other potential front-runners include trade minister Penny Mordaunt, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, and former health secretaries Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt.

Watford Observer: Liz Truss. Credit: PALiz Truss. Credit: PA

Mr Johnson has said he will remain as Prime Minister until a successor is in place, expected to be by the time of the Conservative Party conference in October.

After initially ignoring calls to quit, he announced his resignation after almost 60 MPs quit government or party posts including Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

Tory support crumbled following criticism of his handling of sexual misconduct allegations into his deputy chief whip Chris Pincher which followed on from other controversies including the partygate scandal.

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden has said that Mr Sunak is his choice to be next leader.

The former Culture Secretary, who quit as Conservative party chairman last month after by-election defeats in Wakefield and Tiverton & Honiton, said: "Rishi is the best person to lead our country and unquestionably the best person to defeat Labour.

"That's why I'm backing him to be our next Prime Minister."

South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohindra has not yet publicly stated who his allegiance lies with.