THE absence of Boris Johnson from the confirmed list of Conservative leadership hopefuls has sparked disappointment with party members across the area.

Just a week ago, three possible contenders for the premiership had emerged, including Mr Johnson, Theresa May and Michael Gove, following Prime Minister David Cameron's shock resignation upon the result of the EU Referendum on Friday.

But in an ever changing political landscape, the confirmed line up for the post revealed yesterday caused shock and debate among Tory supporters across south Cumbria.

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

RELATED ARTICLE: Barrow, South Lakeland and Copeland EU Referendum results

Mr Johnson's name was absent from the list, while health secretary Jeremy Hunt, who had earlier this week confirmed he was giving serious consideration to a leadership bid, was also missing from the ballot.

Instead, five prominent Conservatives will now to battle it out for MP backers before a final two candidates go head to head in a party membership vote.

Barrow Borough Council's Hawcoat representative, Tory Councillor Alan Pemberton, said he was disappointed Mr Johnson had not thrown his hat in the ring, leaving him unsure of who to back.

"I'm quite shocked that Boris has not put his name down, I think he would have done a good job and he was the candidate I would have chosen.

"It's very disappointing and sad that Michael Gove has stabbed him in the back.

"So far, I think Liam Fox has been the most consistent but I'm really not decided yet who else to support."

Cllr Ben Berry, the leader of the Conservative group on South Lakeland District Council, confirmed he too was disappointed Mr Johnson would not challenge for PM's job.

"I would have liked to hear what he had to say and to have then had the opportunity to back him," he said.

"But we have five excellent candidates, all with real life as well as political experience, and all who are capable of leading this country through its most testing time since the second world war.

"I'm not sure who I would support at the moment, but I have to say Andrea Leadsom really impressed me during the referendum debates."

Cllr James Airey, Conservative group leader on Cumbria County Council, predicted last week that Mr Johnson was the favourite for the leadership.

But he told the Evening Mail yesterday: "I am shocked that Boris hasn't gone for it.
"It's disappointing because I think the membership would have liked to see him in the final two.

"I think we've got strong candidates in the running. Personally, I would like to see Theresa May and Andrea Leadsome in the last two."