Yesterday, the Prime Minister resigned after a difficult few weeks in office. I would like to thank Liz Truss for her service to the country, and particularly her leadership during the period of mourning for the late HM Queen Elizabeth II and the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Putin’s Russia.

I believe that Penny Mordaunt is the best candidate for Prime Minister, and I will be backing her and her campaign. Penny is an experienced Minister who can unite our country and deliver our pledges to the country.

It is important that the Conservative Party fall behind the new Prime Minister and work together to deliver for the country. There are plenty of challenges ahead - both at home and abroad, and it is important that we focus on these and not internal party politics.