INFLUENTIAL Trafford MP Graham Brady says he does not expect a leadership challenge to Prime Minister Theresa May.

The debate over Mrs May's position was reignited when she indicated she planned to lead the Conservative Party into the next General Election, due in 2022.

She said that she is 'not a quitter' following reports that she was preparing to stand down in 2019 after overseeing the Brexit process.

That has led to a mixed reaction from senior Tories.

But Altrincham and Sale West MP Graham Brady, who is also the chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, backed her.

He said: ""The Prime Minister is a dedicated public servant who has an important job to do.

"There is no appetite in the Conservative Party for a leadership contest,

"I and my colleagues in Parliament fully support Theresa May working in the national interest."