The Select Committee chair, who dropped out of the race to become the next Conservative leader in MPs’ third round of voting earlier this month, has praised Ms Truss as a “permanent leader” who can unite the party. The former soldier said the foreign secretary’s promises of tax cuts are based on “true conservative principles”.
He wrote in the Times: “Liz has always stood up for British values at home and abroad.
“With her at the helm, I have no doubt that we will act with determination to make this country safer and safer.
“We need a solid leader, and Liz Truss fits the bill.”
He said, after watching the candidates compete in live TV debates, “Only one convinced me she’s ready.”
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“And the keeper of the markets, you know, the keeper of our economy, is the chancellor.
“I mean, what would have happened that day if the markets had collapsed?”
Tom Tugendhat further stated that both contenders have “enormous qualities and many talents” but that Ms Truss has an advantage on the world stage because of her cabinet position.
He stated: “There will no doubt be more twists and turns in this match, but she showed what I look for in a leader.
“We need a leader to unite the Conservative Party. Obviously Liz can do that.
“Both candidates have tremendous qualities and many talents, but we need a leader with experience in foreign affairs to build alliances and keep our country safe.
“The world is becoming more challenging and the cost of failure abroad is being felt hard at home.”