Hexham MP Guy Opperman joins 'One Nation' group of Conservative MPs

North East Conservative MP Guy Opperman has joined a new “One Nation” group of Tory MPs, which was set up to push the party to the centre ground.

It comes as Conservatives prepare to battle for the soul of their party in a leadership contest.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will set out a timetable for standing down after MPs vote once again on her proposed Brexit deal, in early June.

Around 60 MPs have joined the One Nation group, including Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd.

Mr Opperman, MP for Hexham, said: “I believe very strongly that the future of Conservative politics, and all politics, is in the centre ground.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a traditional Conservative supporter or traditional Labour supporters, both parties win when they occupy the centre right or centre left.

“The One Nation group is firmly planted in the centre right of British politics.

“And I believe those are values we should see put forward, not only by all Conservatives but most especially by a future leader.”

The One Nation group has set out a declaration of values calling for “bold reforms to welfare and vocational skills” in order to tackle “social injustice” and ensure every person has “a fair chance in life”.

It also supports “a strong society, and a social contract between all of us as fellow citizens, supported in our tax and welfare system".

Meanwhile, former cabinet minister Esther McVey has launched her own Blue Collar Conservatism group, which she says is about targeting “working people”.

Ms McVey, who quit as work and pensions secretary last November, has already announced she will stand in the forthcoming leadership contest.

Other potential candidates include former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, on the right of the party.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Environment Secretary Michael Gove are seen as candidates who could appeal to centre-ground Conservative MPs.

Former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is seen by many as the favourite to win the contest.

However, he is also unpopular with many MPs, and critics say his period as foreign secretary demonstrated he struggles with positions of responsibility.

Supporters argue he can reach out to voters that other potential leaders cannot, and might be the party’s best hope of beating Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party in a general election.

Under Conservative Party rules, MPs choose two candidates to go forward to a ballot of party members.

It means that a candidate who is popular with members - as Mr Johnson appears to be - might never appear on the ballot paper if they fail to win support from MPs.