SHIPLEY MP Philip Davies has said it must be accepted that Prime Minster Theresa May "won fair and square" after she faced down a vote of no confidence from party members. 

Mrs May won the battle to retain leadership of the Conservatives and remain as Prime Minister last night.

MPs voted by 200 to 117 to support her, a majority of 83.

Mr Davies said: “Even though it was a secret process I made clear that I opposed the Prime Minister in the vote of no confidence in her as I thought my constituents were entitled to know what I had done.

"However, as far as I am concerned the Prime Minister has won fair and square and is therefore entitled to support as leader of our Party. 

He added: “I will continue to oppose her policies where I disagree with them - especially where they go against the promises we made to the public - but everyone must accept that she has won and won fair and square."

In a statement after the outcome of the vote was announced, Mrs May accepted that a “significant” number of Tory MPs had voted against her but said she now wanted to “get on with the job”.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Mrs May said she had a “renewed mission – delivering the Brexit people voted for, bringing the country back together and building a country that really works for everyone".