David Davis has emerged as the unity candidate to lead the Conservative Party after he was tipped for the post by allies of Boris Johnson.

The Brexit secretary is being touted as a candidate to take Britain past the March 2019 date when Britain is expected to leave the EU if the Prime Minister quits suddenly.

Today Mr Davis, Exiting the European Union secretary, heads to Brussels to open formally Britain’s discussions with Brussels bureaucrats about leaving the EU, pledging to secure "a deep and special partnership between the UK and the EU. A deal like no other in history".