Introduction

The Conservative leadership race is on, and rumours are swirling about which MPs will join Penny Mordaunt in putting themselves forward to become the next Prime Minister.

Adam is joined by Rob Watson from the BBC World Service, and Will Walden, former communications director to Boris Johnson, to talk about the possible contenders - and ask whether Johnson could be eyeing up a return to Number 10 Downing Street.

Stephen Jardine from BBC Radio Scotland , Trish Adudu from BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, and Jack Murley from BBC Cornwall let us know how their listeners have reacted to the news, and share insights from their phone-ins.

This episode of Newscast is presented by Adam Fleming and made by Tim Walklate with Miranda Slade and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.