Local MPs back new Prime Minister

STRATFORD on Avon MP Nadhim Zahawi has given his full backing to Theresa May who becomes Prime Minister on Wednesday.

“I am delighted that Theresa May will become Prime Minister on Wednesday. I firmly believe that Mrs May has the exact calm leadership and experience we need and look forward to her being an excellent Prime Minister.

I know Andrea Leadsom and like her very much. Her decision to withdraw from the race was courageous and I’m sure a difficult one, and I thought her statement was extremely dignified. I am glad that everyone, including Andrea has now said that they will pull together and support the new Prime Minister, we must now unite and ensure that we get the best possible deal for our country.”

And Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for The Cotswolds, had this to say on the appointment: “I am delighted that The Rt Hon Theresa May MP will be the new Prime Minister on Wednesday. This ends the uncertainty created by the Referendum result and should begin to provide reassurance for everyone who is concerned about their own circumstances and also address the problem of an increased incidence of hate crimes. She will reassure the financial markets that the UK economy will continue to prosper.

However, I am disappointed for Andrea Leadsom MP. I think she is a thoroughly decent person but there would have been continual questions about her experience to take on the very difficult job of being Prime Minister of this country during this uncertain period.”

Asked if he thought the appointment of a new Prime Minister had been too rushed, Mr Clinton-Brown disagreed.

“No I think it is important that a new Prime Minister is able to reassure the country that they have a capable government able to take positive decisions to move the country forward after the Referendum. I wish Theresa May every possible success!”

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said: “As one of the two thirds of the parliamentary party who backed Theresa May as the next Prime Minister, I am delighted that our country will have another female Prime Minister. Theresa has been a strong and successful Home Secretary and much the strongest candidate to put her name forward to be our next Prime Minister.

“I have supported her campaign from the beginning and think she will do an excellent job negotiating Brexit as well as continuing to deliver the Conservative party manifesto on which I stood for election last year.”