Cumbria politicans and businesses have reacted to news that Prime Minister Liz Truss has stepped down after 44 days. 

Her resignation means she had the shortest term of all UK’s Prime Ministers in history.

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, said: “I’m very sorry for the Prime Minister on a personal level, but she has done completely the right thing.

“Her authority had evaporated and therefore it was inevitable she’d have to resign as Prime Minister.

“What’s very important now is that we select the new leader as a matter of urgency, so we can continue to stabilise the markets and bring back stable government and move forward for the next two years.

“What I have been doing is trying to make sure the treasury doesn’t cut capital spending too much.

“I agree with the agenda she set out, which was a growth agenda, but it was just how she went about delivering that was cackhanded.”

READ MORE: 'Truss's resignation inevitable' - Carlisle's Conservative MP

Suzanne Caldwell, managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses and people are grappling with one of the most challenging periods in living memory, and there seems little prospect of that easing any time soon.

“That has been added to significantly by the turmoil in the government, and, it has to be said, some of the decisions and statements made by those in power.

“This is not a party-political comment and I know that all of Cumbria’s MPs are absolutely committed to the best interests of Cumbria.

“What we all need now is stability and a sensible and sensitive approach.

“We’re in a very different position as country and economy from where we were at the last general election and not only personnel, but policies have changed and seem set to change further, considerably.

“So arguably a general election, although disruptive in the short term, is the right way forward for future stability and progress.”

Brian Wernham, Lib Dem councillor for Stanwix on the Cumberlnd Authority, said:"We need a General Election now and the Conservatives out of power."

Stewart Young of the Labour Party, and leader of Cumbria County Council, said: “There has to be a general election as its beyond a farce and the days of the Tory party picking a leader in a darkened room have long gone. 

“It doesn't matter who they pick to be the next PM they'll keep going with the public expenditure cuts which will be passed on to local government. 

“We're the laughingstock of the world and people are looking on in disbelief. 

“It's a horrendous situation and a general election is the only way out of this mess.”

READ MORE: Chamber emphasises importance of road upgrade project amid potential cuts