Scottish businesswoman and Tory peer Michelle Mone has called on David Cameron to stay on as Prime Minister.

Baroness Mone of Mayfair issued the plea in a statement on Twitter, telling the outgoing Prime Minister: "Your country needs you."

Mone said: "David Cameron's resignation is a tragedy for the country.

"Given the result of the referendum his decision is understandable but not only do I believe he went too quickly I also believe he should stay.

"The country is now in crisis, there's no political leadership, people are turning against each other - and what the country needs right now is a statesman."

The former lingerie tycoon concluded by saying: "In these extraordinary times - if people can call for a second referendum, I don't think it's too much to ask to call on David Cameron and ask him to reconsider.

"Your country needs you."

Baroness Mone founded the bra and underwear business Ultimo Brands in 1996 but announced she had left the firm in August last year.

The 44-year-old, who grew up in the east end of Glasgow, was appointed to the House of Lords in October 2015 by Cameron to serve as a business tsar with special responsibility for start-ups.

David Cameron announced his resignation on June 24 following Leave's victory in the EU referendum.

Nominations for the next Conservative Party leader closed earlier on Thursday, with the winner to be announced in September.

The candidates are Michael Gove, Theresa May, Stephen Crabb, Andrea Leadsom and Dr Liam Fox.