London(UK)- Penny Mordaunt declared her support for Ms Truss as she introduced her at the latest Conservative leadership hustings in Exeter, calling her “the hope candidate” who “knows what she believes in.”
She said Ms Truss would “clobber our opponents.”
Ms Mordaunt was the final candidate to be knocked out of the contest last month in the fifth round ballot, leaving Ms Truss and Mr Sunak to go head-to-head for Conservative Party members’ votes.
The trade minister and former defence secretary had finished second in all previous rounds of voting, but a late surge by Ms Truss – who received 27 votes in 24 hours – cost her a spot on the ballot, with only eight votes separating them.
Penny Mordaunt told the audience, “This isn’t just about one person.”
“This is about all of us, and I know it’s not easy; you feel a huge responsibility. I do too.
“That is the price, I’m afraid, of democracy. If we get this decision wrong, we’ll short-change the country.
“We may lose an election, and everything we have worked for will be gone. This matters so much – why you feel that responsibility.”
She added: “I could have remained undeclared, I could be off sipping pina Coladas right now, but I am not; I am here with you because this is too important.
“And I will not leave this to chance, nor will you. I came third in this contest, and I owe it to all of you to be a signpost, not a weathervane.
“And so I’ve made my choice – I know it’s difficult because I like both candidates.
“I want to say nice things about both of them, which is probably why I came third.
“I’ve seen enough to know who the person I’m going to put my faith in is. And that is Liz Truss.”
When she entered the stage, Ms Truss thanked Ms Mordaunt for her support.
“It’s fantastic to have the support of Penny Mordaunt,” she said.
“She’s a great person, politician and patriot – and I am proud to call her my friend.”
