THE MP for Carlisle has congratulated Rishi Sunak on becoming the new Prime Minister.

Mr Sunak was appointed Prime Minister this afternoon after rivals Boris Johnson and Penny Mordaunt withdrew from the race.

In a statement, Mr Stevenson said: “Congratulations to Rishi Sunak on a historic achievement.

“It is now time for us to unite behind the new leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister and get on with supporting those more vulnerable in our communities and delivering on levelling up and the mandate given to us at the 2019 general election.

"The Prime Minister has my full support.”

Mr Sunak had secured the backing of almost 200 MPs and had collected nominations from some high-profile MPs, alongside a nomination from Carlisle’s own John Stevenson who is the chairman of the influential Northern Research Group of Conservative MPs in former Labour heartlands.

The new Prime Minister will have a full in-tray as he takes office with the cost-of-living crisis and high inflation top of the priority list for Rishi Sunak.

Neil Hudson, the MP for Penrith and the Border, also congratulated his Conservative colleague, despite backing Rishi's rival in the race, Penny Mordaunt.

He said: "I wholeheartedly congratulate Rishi Sunak on winning the Conservative Party Leadership and becoming our next Prime Minister.

"Obviously, I am disappointed that Penny Mordaunt was ultimately unsuccessful.

"She ran an incredibly positive and dignified campaign and I sincerely hope she plays a big part in the new Government.

"I was there when Rishi Sunak addressed the Conservative Parliamentary Party in the Commons today and it was a very thoughtful, magnanimous and considered speech.

"Our country faces huge challenges moving forward from economic uncertainty, the cost of living crisis to the war in Ukraine.

"Through all this, it is so important that the Government governs with compassion, supporting the most vulnerable in society.

"The Prime Minister and the Government have my full support as he moves to unite and lead the country moving forward to address these and other challenges."

Another Cumbrian Tory, Barrow MP Simon Fell, joked on Twitter that he often backs the wrong person and sent 'his apologies' to Mr Sunak for announcing his preference for him as leader. 

He said: "I'm delighted that Rishi has won.

"He has a good mind and the right temperament and skills to lead our great nation.

"He also recognises talent and, I'm sure, will lead the country over factionalism.

"That is what the country needs right now."

Former Lib Dem leader and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron was not supportive.

Mr Farron rejected the notion that Mr Sunak would provide balance to the nation's economy after Ms Truss and her Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's short period in office.

He is backing a Bill in Parliament that would push for an early general election by December 1, 2022.

Mr Farron said: "The problem is that the damage is done now - and done by a Conservative government, and it looks like our latest PM is planning another mini budget in a week's time which will lead to spending cuts and tax rises which will cause serious hardship - none of which was in the 2019 Conservative manifesto and thus not voted for by anyone.

"The case for a clean slate and a general election where the people get their say is now overwhelming.

"Increasing poverty by making swinging cuts to the incomes of pensioners and low-paid families doesn't bring stability."

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