DORSET MPs are largely backing Boris Johnson to be the next Prime Minister – and most felt Tuesday night’s BBC leadership debate had a poor format.

Here’s who your MP is backing:

Conor Burns, representing Bournemouth West, said he is “at the heart” of Mr Johnson’s campaigning team.

“We are not electing a leader of the opposition or a leader of a party – we are electing the Prime Minister,” he said.

“This is a time when Britain is facing the most difficult and complex situation arguably since the Second World War.”

The BBC and presenter Emily Maitlis have been criticised nationally after the five remaining candidates shouted over each other during the one-hour debate.

Mr Burns said: “The format was dull and stilted – it didn’t give much opportunity for flowing interaction and challenge between the candidates. In spite of that, everyone participating emerged pretty much as predicted.”

Tobias Ellwood, representing Bournemouth East, said yesterday morning that he will continue to support Rory Stewart.

“Clearly, congratulations must go to Boris,” he said.

“This is all about how we can bring the best out of the party, which is not in a good place at the moment. We need to re-engage and reinvigorate.”

Contrary to opinions reported nationally, each of the candidates are agreed on the issue of Brexit, although the “mechanics” of how this should be achieved differ, Mr Ellwood said. “If we don’t leave the EU this autumn our party will suffer,” he said.

Sir Christopher Chope, representing Christchurch, had a prior political engagement and didn’t watch the debate. However, he added: “There is nobody to equal or better Boris.

“Under his leadership I believe we will leave on October 31.”

Michael Tomlinson, representing Mid Dorset and North Poole, had previously backed Dominic Raab. He called the debate “incredibly interesting” but acknowledged the format made it “difficult” for candidates to have their opinions heard.

“I think all of the candidates did well, and the debate itself was never going to be the sole reason behind any decision I make,” he said. “I and my colleagues have been inundated with phone calls encouraging me to support one or another of the candidates.” He said he was “surprised” Mr Johnson had previously turned down another televised debate, adding that the MP was “good” during the BBC debate.

Mr Tomlinson would not be drawn on the candidate he is currently backing.

Sir Robert Syms, representing Poole, said he had previously backed Mr Raab but would be supporting Mr Johnson.

“I think he performed well in the debate, although the format wasn’t very good,” Mr Syms said. “I thought all the candidates did pretty well.”

If Britain doesn’t leave the EU in October, the MP said he believes it will be a “disaster”.

Richard Drax, representing South Dorset, said televised debates are “inevitably messy”.

“All of the candidates have it up top – they are intellectually very able,” he said. “However, a strong intellect doesn’t necessarily make a good leader. That’s what we’re trying to find, and what’s why I’m backing Boris. He has a sort of magic that others don’t.

"He believes in Brexit, and that’s crucial for the country and for the party. He is an enthusiast at a time when so many are slagging off the country.”