Politics recent: Kemi Badenoch elected leader of Conservative Party, defeating Robert Jenrick

Victoria Atkins, the former health secretary, had backed Robert Jenrick in the Conservative leadership race.

She said she felt “very disappointed” for Mr Jenrick, but urged the Conservative Party to back Kemi Badenoch as leader.

“We as a conservative family really want this to work right now,” she says.

“We also have an important job to do. We must hold this terrible socialist government to account and we know we can do this.”

Ms Atkins, now shadow health secretary, said: “Everyone is now ready to take on Kemi, we want this to succeed”.

“We must ensure that it succeeds, not only for us as Conservative members and activists, but also for the sake of the country.”

The ex-minister adds that the Conservatives are “all prepared for Kemi and the whole party to want to win”.

But does Ms Atkins think Ms Badenoch will still be leader at the next general election?

“Yes, I do, because I know that in this contest each of the candidates has been tested so very, very carefully – and they have all gotten the message from the party loud and clear… that we have to come together, really taking on Labor and ensuring we present a positive vision.”