Ex-Mayor of London and anti-EU campaigner Boris Johnson says he will not run for the leadership of the Conservative party, ruling him out as next prime minister of the UK. He had been tipped as favourite to succeed David Cameron, who announced his resignation last week after the referendum which saw the UK vote to leave the European Union.

Shocking his supporters, top Brexit campaigner and former London mayor Boris Johnson said he will not succeed David Cameron as leader of the Tory party.

Johnson had been one of the favourites to replace outgoing PM David Cameron as Prime Minister of the UK.

Johnson's unexpected departure from the race was announced just minutes before the party unveiled the official list of candidates.

Home Secretary Theresa May is running for the Conservative party leadership.

She was a low-key supporter of remaining in the EU and has since said Brexit means Brexit.

"There must be no attempts to remain inside the EU, no attempts to re-join it through the back door, and no second referendum. The country voted to leave the European Union and it is the duty of the government and parliament we do just that," said Theresa May, UK Home Secretary.

Secretary of State for Justice Michael Gove has also announced his bid. Gove had been expected to throw his weight behind Boris Johnson. But now he says he did not think Johnson had what it takes to be party leader.

MP for South Northamptonshire Andrea Leadsom has also said she will join the leadership race.