The decision by Liz Truss to step down as Prime Minister last week was the right thing to do, although I fully appreciate the deep frustration of many about the need for another Conservative leadership election so soon after the last one.
Fortunately, this has been completed with the minimum of fuss and the Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, has been elected to lead the Party and become the next Prime Minister of the UK.
I know many of my constituents are disappointed Boris Johnson, chose not to run on this occasion. As I said at the time of Boris Johnson’s resignation from the position of Prime Minister in July, I have great personal affection for him, but there had been far too many mistakes and so, regrettably, there had to be a change.
Rishi Sunak was a key part of the Government’s response to the pandemic, bringing forward a raft of measures to support workers and businesses during lockdown, and steering the economy with care as the cost of living rose as a direct result of the war in Ukraine and its huge effect on energy supply and prices. He has enormous experience and has proven himself to be a very gifted Secretary of State.
He becomes Prime Minister at a hugely challenging moment both domestically and internationally. However, I am confident he has the talent and the vision to help the country through to better times. He will have my support.