Brexit minister James Cleverly has confirmed he will enter the Tory leadership race.
The pro-Leave MP is the eleventh person to put themselves forward to succeed Theresa May as Conservative Party leader and prime minister.
The Braintree MP, former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, said the Tories needed a leader “who truly believes in the opportunity Brexit presents”.
He told the Braintree and Witham Times: “From the politics we have seen in the last two years, it is clear it needs a complete refresh.
“We need a change and I believe I am the right person to deliver that change.”
The MP also told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Wednesday he was “Brexit tooth and claw” and had been consistent on the issue.
He said a no-deal Brexit “can be delivered but not pursued”, adding: “But it’s also really important we understand that not delivering Brexit would be in my mind significantly more damaging, our political reputation with the country would be damaged.”
He added: “I have always said that we need to be pragmatic, we need to be sensible, we need to leave with a deal,” he said.
Cleverly also did not hold back when it came to discussing his outgoing boss, Theresa May.
Sher went into the job “uncontested and untested”, he said, adding “she didn’t fit well with the role of Prime Minister and it saddens me to say that”.
He added he was “very proud” there was a credible chance his party might have the first prime minister from a BAME background.
He said his party had dealt with any form of religious bigotry or racial hatred “quickly and decisively”.
Other candidates include home secretary Sajid Javid, health secretary Matt Hancock, international development secretary Rory Stewart, Dominic Raab, Esther McVey and environment secretary Michael Gove.
Former foreign secretary and ex-mayor of London Boris Johnson remains the frontrunner.