Ruth Davidson now backing Michael Gove to be next Conservative leader

Ruth Davidson has announced her support for Michael Gove to be the next prime minister after her preferred candidate, Sajid Javid, fell out of the Tory leadership race.

Ms Davidson, speaking after the results of the third round of voting in the contest on Thursday, said she was sad to see Mr Javid exit the contest.

The Scottish Tory leader told STV News she hopes Environment Secretary Michael Gove will reach the final two and confirmed she would be backing him to win the keys to Number 10.

"I stuck with Saj right the way through the contest, despite very flattering phone calls from all the other runners and riders trying to prise me away at various points,'' Ms Davidson said.

"But I stuck with Saj, I thought he was the best person for the job.

"We saw his qualities throughout this contest, he's grown within the contest.

"I'm very sad he's gone out today.''

She added: "In terms of the people who are left, I hope very much to see Michael in the final two and he'll have my support.''

The next round of voting in the contest will begin at 3.30pm on Thursday, with Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt the other candidates remaining alongside Mr Gove.