Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has backed Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to become the next Conservative leader and Prime Minister.

Ms Rudd, who took over her brief from Brexiteer Esther McVey in November after Ms McVey resigned in protest at Theresa May’s draft Brexit deal, called for a statesman to negotiate with Brussels.

Citing Jack and the Beanstalk she claimed “magic beans” and believing in Britain was not enough to guarantee a good deal with the EU.

Revealing her preference for PM in a series of tweets over the weekend, she wrote: “I’m backing @Jeremy_Hunt.

“These are serious times and we need a respected statesman who Brussels will listen to, not more bluster.

“Jeremy is a winner with a track record of success in business and in government.”

She added: “It is not enough to be told to shut your eyes, cross your fingers, pick up some magic beans and believe in Britain. 

“These are serious times. They require a serious leader who will be listened to in Brussels. @Jeremy_Hunt is that leader.”