BOURNEMOUTH West MP Conor Burns has announced he will not be publicly supporting anybody in the race to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.

The MP added he was “saddened” that Boris Johnson’s premiership ended in such “division and acrimony.” 

Mr Burns will instead be focusing on supporting the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, a position he has held since September 2021. 

Read more: Bournemouth MP Conor Burns gives Boris Johnson 'full support'

Bournemouth Echo: Conor Burns MP for Bournemouth WestConor Burns MP for Bournemouth West

Mr Burns said he will support the new leader and PM, whoever it may be. 

Taking to social media, Mr Burns said: "Having supported the current Prime Minister loyally since I became his PPS at the Foreign Office in 2017, on the backbenches from 2018-19, and in two Ministerial roles since he became Prime Minister, I am saddened that this chapter should have ended in such division and acrimony. 

“Having had a ringside seat in multiple candidate/MP meetings in 2019 I have no appetite now to see that from the other side so will not be asking any candidate for anything, nor will I be making any public pledge of support for a candidate. 

Read more: Boscombe residents respond to negative article in The Sun

“My focus in the coming weeks will be in supporting the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in seeking to restore devolved government and I hope all candidates will give full attention to protecting and cherishing our precious Union and Northern Ireland's integral place in it. 

“Having been a member of the Conservative Party for 36 years I will support the new leader and Prime Minister and work for them in whatever way they wish me to. 

“My overriding hope is that colleaques use the coming weeks to start to restore the reputation of the Party and remind the British people what Conservatism is for - not which Conservatives they are against.”