David Stephenson, 78, from Ludham, has also been a Conservative member for more than 50 years.

He also thought Sunak should remain leader and that he was given a difficult task as prime minister.

“I think he’s very strong and a good orator,” he said.

“The Conservative Party has been dealt a brutal blow by Covid, Ukraine and Brexit. They’ve fallen on hard times and I don’t think anyone will give them credit for that.”

When the BBC spoke to him, he was undecided about who to vote for, as his preferred candidate had been eliminated in the final round of voting.

“I thought James Cleverley was pretty good and might have a chance. He’s a very experienced guy but other than that I have no idea about the other candidates,” he said.