Truss wins leadership race to become new UK Prime Minister
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Sir Graham Brady has this afternoon announced the results of the Conservative Party election at the Queen Elizabeth II centre at Westminster.
He said: "On July 7 the Prime Minister announced his resignation as leader of our party.
"The 1922 committee then organised ballots over an eight day period, putting forward the candidates to the ballot of the membership which has now concluded.
"The vote of 172,437 saw a turnout of 82.6 per cent with 654 rejected.
"Rishi Sunak received 60,399 and Liz Truss 81,326."
New Prime Minister Lizz Truss said: "It is an honour to be elected as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party.
"I know that our beliefs resonate with the British people and I know that's why people voted for us in such numbers in 2019.
"During this campaign I campaigned as a Conservative and I will govern as a Conservative.
"I will deliver on the energy crisis, dealing with bills and energy supply.
"I will deliver on the National Health Service.
"We all will deliver for our country."
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid said: “I welcome the news and congratulate Liz Truss on her election as the new leader of the Conservative Party and the next Prime Minister.
“I know first-hand from working with Liz, when she was Trade Secretary, the passion and commitment she brings to all she does.
“She is very clear on the importance of the oil and gas industry, especially here in the north-east, and the vital contribution this sector has on energy security and energy transition to net zero.
“Liz has also promised additional support beyond the existing £37 billion commitment already made by the UK Government which already sees the poorest households receiving £1200.
“I wish her all the very best and look forward to the whole party getting behind her as the new Prime Minister at this critical time for our United Kingdom and the world.”
