BASILDON and Billericay MP John Baron has indicated he wants to become the next leader of the Conservatives.

The Eurosceptic politician is the latest Tory MP to throw his hat into the ring to replace David Cameron when he steps down in the autumn.

An Echo poll, opened before Mr Baron announced his candidacy, has showed Boris Johnson was the preferred future leader among our readers.

Former Army captain Mr Baron, 57, has been MP for Basildon and Billericay since 2001.

He played a key role in ensuring an EU referendum was held, sending a letter to Mr Cameron in 2013 signed by more than 100 other MPs, expressing regret a vote could not be held sooner.

His Eurosceptic stance had previously led to speculation Mr Baron could consider defecting to Ukip.