BORDERS MP John Lamont has yet to decide on who to support to replace Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party and Prime Minister.

And he intends to speak to both candidates on their plans for Scotland and the wider UK before making up his mind.

Mr Lamont had publicly backed Portsmouth North MP and international trade minister Penny Mordaunt.

Despite coming second on the first four rounds, Ms Mordaunt was leapfrogged by Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Wednesday to be eliminated.

Mr Lamont previously worked at Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ms Truss before resigning last month to vote against the Prime Minister.

Ms Truss will now face former chancellor Rishi Sunak who was the favourite with Tory MPs, winning 137 votes in the final round to her 113.

Early indications suggest that Ms Truss has the bigger backing among the crucial Conservative party members that will make the ultimate decision.

Hustings are to take place around the country over the summer to help party members determine their choice for the new leader.

On September 5 2022 the new leader will be announced.

MP for Berwickshire Roxburgh and Selkirk Lamont said: “"I am very disappointed that Penny Mordaunt did not make it to the final two. She would have been a first class Prime Minister.

"I will soon be speaking with Mr Sunak and Ms Truss about their plans for Scotland and the wider United Kingdom. I will come to my decision soon."