Former British health minister Sajid Javid has dropped out of the leadership contest to replace Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister.

“There is an abundance of both ideas and talent in our party. One of the candidates will be given the honour of becoming prime minister,” Javid said in a statement on Tuesday.

“I look forward to seeing the debate unfold and to see colleagues working together as a united Conservative Party once the leadership election is concluded.”

The Conservative Party leadership hopeful pulled out of the race to succeed Boris Johnson just moments before the closing of nominations.

Javid had been a key figure in the push by cabinet ministers to get rid of the prime minister, sparking a flurry of resignations by quitting government a week ago.

He failed to find much support among those who stayed in government MPs who remained loyal to Mr Johnson until the bitter end of his premiership.

The former minister had also struggled to bat away ongoing questions about his tax affairs after he admitted earlier he had benefitted from non-domicile tax status before entering politics.