Tory leadership contender and Cumbrian MP Rory Stewart has said he could not serve in a government led by Boris Johnson pushing a no-deal Brexit agenda.

The International Development Secretary told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I could not serve in a government whose policy was to push this country into a no-deal Brexit.

"I could not serve with Boris Johnson."

Mr Stewart, the MP for Penrith and The Border, said: "I spoke to Boris, I suppose, about two weeks ago about this and I thought at the time he had assured me that he wouldn't push for a no-deal Brexit.

"So, we had a conversation about 20, 25 minutes and I left the room reassured by him that he wouldn't do this.

"But, it now seems that he is coming out for a no-deal Brexit."

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has refused to rule himself out as a Tory leadership candidate.

Asked if he would stand, Dr Fox said: "Well, I don't think it's likely to happen, but, as you say, it's an unusual contest."

Dr Fox said: "It is best for us to leave with an agreement.

"But, I think that it is possible, and probably increasingly likely now, that we could leave without a deal because I think there's a limited patience from the European Union with Britain's constant delay."

Asked if Labour would force a Commons no confidence vote in the new prime minister when they take office, shadow chancellor John McDonnell told the Today programme: "Yes.

"Because we believe any incoming prime minister in these circumstance should go to the country anyway and seek a mandate."