Conservative MPs were evenly split on who they are backing to replace Liz Truss as Prime Minister after Rishi Sunak confirmed he is in the race.
Of the 11 Tory MPs in the region, four declared their support for Mr Sunak, four for Boris Johnson and three were yet to confirm as of Sunday October 23.
Mr Sunak confirmed on Sunday morning he is entering the race.
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Former Prime Minister Mr Johnson is almost certain to run. He returned early from a holiday he took while Parliament was in session after Ms Truss confirmed her departure and has been in touch with fellow MPs.
Penny Mordaunt is also contesting, although none of the Conservative MPs in County Durham, Teesside or Northumberland had signalled support for her.
The three MPs yet to publically declare their support for a candidate by Sunday afternoon are Dehenna Davison (Bishop Auckland), Peter Gibson (Darlington) and Jacob Young (Redcar).
Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson or Penny Mordaunt? Who North East Tory MPs are backing
- Simon Clarke, Middlesbrough and East Cleveland - Boris Johnson
- Dehenna Davison, Bishop Aukland - TBC
- Peter Gibson, Darlington - TBC
- Richard Holden, North West Durham - Rishi Sunak
- Paul Howell, Sedgefield - Rishi Sunak
- Ian Levy, Blyth Valley - Boris Johnson
- Jill Mortimer, Hartlepool - Boris Johnson
- Guy Opperman, Hexham - Rishi Sunak
- Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Berwick - Boris Johnson
- Matt Vickers, Stockton South - Rishi Sunak
- Jacob Young Redcar - TBC
Mr Opperman said : "I remain of the view that Rishi Sunak is the right person to be our Prime Minister. He is a serious person for serious times.
"He was right about the economy during the summer: we need his leadership to get us back on track.”
The MP, who was first elected in 2010, previously backed Mr Sunak in July and said he would be able to unite the country in "challenging times".
Although Boris Johnson has yet to formally declare he is running, MPs who back him have said he has contacted them to discuss running and ask for their support.
Blyth MP Ian Levy said: "I supported Penny Mordaunt in the earlier election, and whilst I have the utmost respect for Rishi Sunak, I believe that Boris is best placed to lead the country whilst we deal with the huge challenges we are currently facing."
By Sunday afternoon, 121 declared support for Mr Sunak, 45 for Mr Johnson and 21 for Ms Mordaunt. Candidates must have at least 100 backers to make it onto the ballot.
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