Jeremy Hunt receives backing of great aunt in Tory leadership race

Prime minister hopeful Jeremy Hunt has received an important endorsement in the Tory leadership race – from his 99-year-old great aunt.

Mr Hunt dropped in to see his relative in Aberdeen after meeting with fishing leaders in Peterhead on Sunday.

Betty is said to be proud of her great nephew, who is battling it out with Boris Johnson in the Conservative leadership contest.

In quotes attributed to her by Mr Hunt’s leadership campaign, she said: “He’s a great listener, he always wants to hear your opinions.

“I think he would be a great prime minister because of his experience of running the Olympics, the NHS and as Foreign Secretary.”

Mr Hunt said: “I’ve got the fondest memories of going with my great aunt to the sweet shops in Aberdeen when I was seven years old.

“It was great to have a cup of tea with her and I hope to be back soon as prime minister.”