Sunak to become PM: Sidmouth’s MP reacts

Conservative MP for East Devon Simon Jupp, whose constituency includes Sidmouth, has reacted to the news that Rishi Sunak will become the next prime minister.

Mr Jupp announced his support for Sunak last week and had also backed him earlier this year to replace Boris Johnson.

East Devon MP Simon Jupp said: "Congratulations to my friend and colleague Rishi Sunak on this decisive victory.

"It is time to come together, unite the Conservative Party, and deliver for our United Kingdom.

"Our great country faces huge challenges with the cost of living, getting inflation under control, and restoring confidence in public finances. Rishi Sunak has the experience needed to lead the nation and the knowledge to restore economic credibility."

In his first televised address as Conservative leader, Rishi Sunak said: "I'd like to pay tribute to Liz Truss for her dedicated public service to the country.

"She has led with dignity and grace through a time of great change and under exceptionally difficult circumstances both at home and abroad.

"I am humbled and honoured to have the support of my parliamentary colleagues and to be elected as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party.

"It is the greatest privilege of my life to be able to serve the party I love and give back to the country I owe so much to.

"The United Kingdom is a great country but there is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge.

"We now need stability and unity and I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together, because that is the only way we will overcome the challenges we face and build a better, more prosperous future for our children and our grandchildren.

"I pledge that I will serve you with integrity and humility and I will work day in, day out to deliver for the British people."

The Tory leadership race began after the resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss on Thursday 20 October, which the East Devon MP described as "the right and honourable step given the situation".