Chairman of the European People’s Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, revealed on Twitter that he wants to be the EPP’s lead candidate and take over from Mr Juncker, Express reported.

Weber said: "I want to become the EPP's lead candidate for the 2019 European Elections and be the next President of the European Commission. Europe needs a new beginning and more democracy.”

Mr Weber pledged to “kick start a new chapter in the EU”. He added: “We cannot go on as we are now in the EU.”

At a time of increasing anti-EU feeling across the bloc, Mr Weber promised to work to “bring Europe back to the people”.

He said: “I will help bring Europe back to the people and re-establish the bond between citizens and the European Union.”

As part of his bid for the top role, Mr Weber has vowed to scrap talks over Turkey joining the EU. Mr Weber also plans to take a harder stance on migration control.