'The country deserves better': MPs react to Liz Truss' resignation

Dr Neil Hudson says he "firmly believes" it's the "right and moral thing to do for the country". Credit: UK Parliament/PA Wire/PA Images

The MP for Penrith and the Border has welcomed the news of Prime Minister Liz Truss' resignation.

Dr Neil Hudson says he "firmly believes" it's the "right and moral thing to do for the country".

"The events of the last few weeks have been deeply regrettable, leading to significant economic instability and deep upset," he said.

"This has been of huge concern to my constituents in Penrith and The Border and to people right across the country worried about their bills, mortgages, savings, their futures  and their livelihoods."

He continued: "The events yesterday in Parliament showed that the current political situation was untenable and not in the best interests of the country.

"The country deserves so much better from us.

"I look forward to a new Conservative Prime Minister being elected next week to lead a Government for all of the country,  supporting the most vulnerable in society, and honouring our 2019 Manifesto."

Other political leaders have taken to social media to share their views.

Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, tweeted: "There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. It's beyond hyperbole - and parody.

"Reality though is that ordinary people are paying the price. The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now.

"A general election is now a democratic imperative."

Commenting on the fact that Ms Truss had not yet had a formal meeting or phone call with Ms Sturgeon, the First Minister said she would "just wait for whoever will become the fifth PM (so far) during my time as FM".

Alister Jack, Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway, and Secretary of State for Scotland said: "I am sorry to see the Prime Minister step down.

"However, she was clear that she was not able to deliver her mandate, and I respect her decision."

David Mundell Tory MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesddale and Tweeddale said: "The circumstances that had developed over the last few weeks were clearly not sustainable and it is right that they have been brought to an end."

John Lamont the Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh, Selkirk said: "The Prime Minister has made the right choice.

"I wish her and her family well. It won’t have been an easy decision to make.”

Mr Lamont then took to social media to give his backing to Penny Mordant, the current Leader of the House of Commons, and who stood in the last contest against Liz Truss.

Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries Tory MSP, said: "I welcome the decision of the prime minister to resign at this early stage. It was clear her position was untenable."

South Scotland Labour MSP, Colin Smyth, called for a UK general election.

He added: "It is right that Liz Truss has resigned. Her premiership has been a catastrophic failure. 

"Locally we should never forget that Liz Truss' leadership bid was backed by almost every Tory MP and MSP in the region and not one of them had the spine to call for her to quit even after weeks of economic damage.

"I think they owe their constituents an apology for their appalling judgement and getting it so badly wrong."


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