AN OXFORDSHIRE MP has thrown his support behind the new Chancellor to be the next Prime Minister.

Nadhim Zahawi has yet to announce he is running to be Prime Minister, but the move is widely expected.

Wantage MP David Johnston has backed Mr Zahawi, who was born in Iraq and has been the MP for Stratford-on-Avon since May 2010.

READ AGAIN: David Johnston latest MP to quit Boris Johnson’s Government

Mr Johnston tweeted: “I want the next PM to make social mobility one of their key priorities.

“Having worked for him as PPS [Parliamentary Private Secretary], I believe that Nadhim Zahawi – who came to the UK unable to read a word of English and now represent the seat of Shakespeare – is the person to unleash the country’s potential.”

On Wednesday, Mr Johnston quit his ministerial aide role at the Department for Education.

In a statement online, he said: “As most of you will know, education is a great passion of mine and I very much enjoyed working with Nadhim Zahawi and the ministerial team, but I cannot defend what has taken place these past few days – or indeed these past few months.

“I know from my inbox that there are different views about the Prime Minister, but I do not believe he can provide the leadership the country needs.

“I hope those who disagree with this nonetheless understand why I have taken the decision I have.

“As ever, my main focus will remain trying to be as good a constituency MP as I can be.”

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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice