David Jones, the eurosceptic MP for Clwyd Wesis, writes for the Telegraph that he is backing Theresa May in the leadership contest.

As one campaign finishes, another inevitably begins. For the last six months have been proudly engaged in the fight to secure a “Leave” vote in the EU referendum.

I was delighted with the outcome, particularly in Wales, where I led Vote Leave’s effort.

The Prime Minister’s announcement of his resignation on the morning after the referendum was understandable and not wholly unexpected.

The Conservative party has acted quickly to start the process of electing a new leader, who will be in place by the beginning of September.

As a Brexiteer, it is hugely important to me that the next Prime Minister should be someone I can trust to push forward the process of withdrawal from the EU.

It is also important that that person should be someone I know will defend and advance the national interest in uncertain times, when Britain is carving out new relationships across the globe.

Competence, it need hardly be said, is the paramount qualification for the office of Prime Minister.

Theresa May was not a supporter of the Leave campaign; however, as an ardent Leave campaigner, I have no hesitation in saying that I regard her as the person most outstandingly qualified to be our next Prime Minister.

I have worked closely with Theresa in Cabinet, and have observed the formidable array of talents she possesses. She is cool, determined and intellectually impressive. She is an astonishingly hard worker with a meticulous eye for detail. At the same time, she is charming, courteous and never bombastic.

She is an exceptional politician. Theresa has served as Home Secretary for more than six challenging years; indeed, hers is the longest tenure of that office for over a century.

The Home Office was long regarded as the graveyard of political aspiration; but Theresa has shown unerring competence throughout her time there.

Nor has she been afraid of ruffling feathers, pushing through sometimes controversial reforms, famously blocking the extradition to the United States of the alleged computer hacker, Gary McKinnon and securing the deportation of Abu Qatada.

Theresa May is both tough and efficient. Theresa has assured me that she understands the need to do everything necessary to carry out the wishes of the British people, as expressed in the referendum, and press on with withdrawal as quickly as possible.

That process will call for the sort of detailed oversight that Theresa – uniquely, I believe, of all the leadership candidates – is able to exert. This country will undoubtedly face huge challenges in the years ahead.

When selecting a national leader, there is no place for risk. Imagine which of the potential candidates you would be happy to see representing us in the councils of the world, dealing with the likes of Obama, Merkel and Putin.

Personally, I can’t think of anyone in whom I’d prefer to place my trust.

Theresa May has all the qualities needed to lead our country out of the European Union and into a new place as a global nation. That is why I have pledged to support her leadership campaign.