SKIPTON MP Julian Smith has announced his support for Teresa May over Boris Johnson as a new potential leader of the Conservative Party.

Following Britain's decision to leave the European Union and the subsequent resignation of the Prime Minister, Mr Smith has decided to back Home Secretary Mrs May in the forthcoming leadership contest.

Mr Smith, an enthusiastic Remain campaigner, tweeted: "Pleased 2b supporting @Theresa4PM.

"Will be doing everything I can to ensure most experienced, proven and focused candidate wins @conservatives."

Mr Cameron has said he wants a new leader to be in place in time for the party conference in October.

Joyful shouts and clapping rang out in Skipton town hall at 2.30am on Friday when Paul Shevlin, the counting officer, announced victory for the Leave camp in the European Union referendum.

But it was a close-run battle, with the Brexit brigade notching up 18,961 votes compared to the 16,930 polled by the Remain camp.

The 81 per cent turnout of the electorate – there were 35,907 votes cast – was being spoken of as a record.

And it mirrored comments coming from polling stations during the day, where many were witnessing a steady flow of voters.

Passions about the referendum were so high, many who voted were understood to have been novices – both young and old – and needed to be shown in detail the procedure required to make their cross.

Once the voting slips had been verified by about 12.45am, the count commenced, 'tellers' working at ten desks and taking about one-and-a-half hours to complete.

Anthony Smith, from Cowling, who had been canvassing for Brexit since the campaign began, said: "We're delighted with the result.

"I thought it was going to be closer but believed we'd win.

"I've been out on every Saturday speaking to people and this result has reflected the views I was getting – something like 60-40 for leaving."

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) North Yorkshire said its aim is to protect and enhance the countryside, the farmers who maintained the land and the rural communities.

Its national chief executive, Shaun Spiers, said: “We have endured a long and divisive referendum campaign, but throughout leading players on both sides emphasised their commitment to the countryside and to strong environmental protection.

"The country has now made the momentous decision to leave the European Union, but there is no mandate for environmental regulation. Rather, if this really is 'Independence Day', we should expect to see a much greater emphasis on restoring nature, safeguarding our precious landscapes and supporting farmers to care for their land."