Boris Johnson's path to Number 10 does not look so clear with grassroots Tories in the region suggesting he does not have their support.

Eastern Daily Press: Boris Johnson visits the Same Cole Food Group in Lowestoft during a visit to the town during the Vote Leave campaign.Boris Johnson visits the Same Cole Food Group in Lowestoft during a visit to the town during the Vote Leave campaign. (Image: Archant)

The leaders of some of the region's Conservative associations have spoken of their distress at the outcome of the European Union referendum – with a number indicating they could support home secretary Theresa May.

Graham Dines, Suffolk Coastal Conservative constituency chairman, said the outcome of the referendum was disastrous.

He said that although it was probable that the next leader of the party would come from the Brexit wing, he would be supporting Theresa May if she stood.

Mrs May was also cited as a potential leader by Margaret Farrow, chairman of the Great Yarmouth association. The town was one of the most strongly pro-Brexit in the region.

'I did feel that the way the whole campaign had gone that the out campaigners were pushing offers for things they would not be able to fulfil financially.

'I struggle to see anyone who could now step in. Maybe Theresa May, but I would certainly not want Boris Johnson as I think he is a bit too wild to run this country,' she added.

In neighbouring Waveney, May Reader also spoke of how she had hoped Britain would remain.

'David Cameron is a statesman who has been a very good prime minister. Things were just getting back on track. I just feel so sad about it all – he's been an excellent PM on the world stage,' she said.

David Goldson, the chairman of South Norfolk Conservatives and who represents Roydon at district council level, voted for the Leave movement, claiming it was a socialist bureaucracy and therefore was incompetent and probably corrupt. He would not be drawn on who he would support.

'The vote was close and what really matters now is to see what the initial reaction to it is and what it means.'

Nick Daubney, the chairman of the North West Norfolk Conservative Association, was at odds with his local MP, Sir Henry Bellingham in backing Remain.

'I think Europe should've given more indication to Cameron that there would be reform; about the current system being updated, changed and reorganised. I think that was a big opportunity that Europe didn't take – and that's what's led to this tragic result.

'But we are a strong country and we lead the world in terms of design and innovation. It may mean we lose co-operation with our current partnerships – but no doubt we will gain others if we build the right alliances for continued success.'