Mark Harper has become the twelfth Tory MP to enter the leadership race as he said he is the only candidate not tainted by serving in Theresa May's government.

The former chief whip admits he is the “underdog” in the race but said he has an edge against ministers who have “shared the responsibility” for Mrs May’s failure to deliver Brexit.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Mr Harper said watching the other candidates over the past week convinced him to run.

“We've seen basically the same faces saying the same things that they've been saying for the last three years,” he said.

“A number of them have tried to position themselves as fresh faces but I'm afraid they've sat around the Cabinet table sharing the responsibility with the Prime Minister.”

“I've not heard any fresh thinking,” he said - adding this is what he has to offer. On Brexit, this means building a better relationship with the Irish government, as well as including the Cabinet and wider party in the conversation before agreeing a deal with Brussels.