Furness and Millom Conservatives pick who they want as their new leader

The favourites for the top job are believed to be former London mayor and Vote Leave campaigner Boris Johnson and home secretary Theresa May, although more MPs are throwing their names into the hat.

Tory councillors from Furness and Millom have had their say on who they think should take over from David Cameron, who announced his resignation after the EU referendum result on Friday morning.

A poll of Evening Mail readers puts Theresa May in the lead ahead of Boris Johnson.

Alan Pemberton Councillor Alan Pemberton, member for Hawcoat on Barrow Borough Council, is supporting Mr Johnson for leadership.

He said: "I think it should be Boris Johnson because he has led the campaign for Brexit and been committed.

"He has been a successful mayor of London for two terms and I think the other alternative, Theresa May, has hedged her bets on Brexit.

"One minute she was against Europe because she couldn't deport criminals and the she went in favour of keeping in Europe.

"We want somebody to take over who is going to fulfill the Brexit campaign."

David Roberts Cllr David Roberts, who sits on Cumbria County Council for Hawcoat, said he was unsure who was the best person to challenge Mr Johnson.

He said: "I have been watching what's been going on and the conclusion by international heads of banking is whoever takes control of the coming out process has got to be highly intelligent as they will be not only doing that job but running the country as well.

"Going into the negotiations they will see Boris as the enemy.

"I think Theresa will be a good, steady pair of hands but then again because she's the most well known, does it make her the best leader?

"If it came to her and Boris then I would back her because I think she would generally have the support of the senior Conservatives."

Doug Wilson Cllr Doug Wilson, the mayor of Millom and a Copeland Borough Councillor for Haverigg, said: "My own personal choice if I could have just selected anybody would have been David Davis.

"Out of the people who have put themselves forward I would say I would have to go with Boris Johnson. I believe that the way the EU referendum vote has gone it needs someone to lead the party who was in support of Brexit.

"Under normal circumstances anybody who wasn't in favour of Brexit will be dragging their foot somewhat."

Next step

Cabinet minister Stephen Crabb will put his name forward on the ballot, saying he and his running mate Sajid Javid were a "blue collar ticket" to take on Mr Johnson.

Education secretary Nicky Morgan and health secretary Jeremy Hunt are also believed to be considering bids.

Under the leadership election, Conservative MPs pick two candidates to put to the wider membership.

Nominations close at noon today.