Breaking: Rishi Sunak set to become Prime Minister
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Seven weeks after losing to now former PM Liz Truss in this year’s first Tory leadership contest, Rishi Sunak has emerged as the victor in the latest one after Penny Mordaunt dropped out of Tory leadership race.
He is now set become the UK’s first British Asian prime minister, and will take office as the UK faces enormous economic challenges and ever increasing calls for a general election to be held.
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid said: “I congratulate Rishi Sunak on becoming our new party leader and I look forward to him guiding our country through some of the toughest challenges the country has faced.
“We all need to unite behind our new Prime Minister and get on with the critical job of helping families and businesses through the winter, addressing global cost of living issues and continuing our recovery from the pandemic.
“I look forward to working with the Prime Minister to keep delivering for the people of Banff and Buchan and the whole United Kingdom.”
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie said:“After the events of the last few weeks, this country needs a PM who will lead by example.
“We will have a government that's dependable, solid and ready to act in the best interests of the entire UK.
“I know Rishi will act quickly to get us on track.
“His record as Chancellor during Covid was one of determined pragmatism.
“And the economy and its impact on all Britons will undoubtedly be at the forefront.
“We have the people, the means and the leader to steady the ship.
“Rishi's appointment represents the turning of a fresh page.
“And I am delighted to have supported him during the contest.”
Responding the SNP has said the Tories "cannot be allowed to impose a third Prime Minister without a general election" - as pressure mounts on Tory MPs to give voters a say.
Ian Blackford MP said the Tories were "running scared of democracy" and have no mandate to install a third leader or impose austerity cuts to cover the devastating cost of their mini budget.
It comes as a growing number of backbench Tory MPs admit there needs to be an election - with Sir Christopher Chope MP telling the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme "I think a general election is essentially the only answer" and Nadine Dorries MP tweeting "It will now be impossible to avoid a general election".
Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP said:"The Tories cannot be allowed to impose a third Prime Minister without a general election - voters must get a say and the SNP is determined to ensure they do.
"The Tory government had no mandate to trash the UK economy with its disastrous budget.
"And it has no mandate to install yet another leader who will impose devastating austerity cuts - making households pay through their teeth for Tory mistakes.
"No one voted for this.
"The only reason the Tories are running scared of democracy is because they fear the verdict of the people.
"The decisions that are made in the weeks and months ahead will be hugely significant and will impact the economy, public services and household budgets for years to come.
"Voters must get a say on what course they want to take - instead of having damaging decisions imposed against our will."
