New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak “will have his work cut out”, and “must do all he can to ensure that the Government protects the most vulnerable while creating the opportunity for growth and future prosperity”, North Herefordshire MP Sir Bill Wiggin has said.

Given that “the cost of mortgages, fuel and inflation all have a massive impact on people living in Herefordshire”, he said “strong and prudent leadership as well as clear communication is essential, and Rishi Sunak will provide that”.

He added: “We also want to see support for the Ukrainians who are still fighting, fearful of the atrocities being committed against their fellow countrymen and women.”

Describing Mr Sunak as “highly intelligent, charming and hard-working”, Sir Bill said: “I support him and would like to see the unity behind him that the whole nation needs. I hope that when he succeeds, he will get the credit he deserves too.”

Mr Sunak was appointed PM today after Penny Mordaunt, the only other contender to replace Liz Truss, withdrew from the race yesterday, automatically making him Conservativee Party leader.

Sir Bill previously backed Liz Truss in her head-to-head contest with Mr Sunak for the party leadership, which concluded with Ms Truss’s appointment as PM in early September.

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Hereford and South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman called Mr Sunak’s appointment “an extraordinary moment, in substance and timing”, in response to a tweet by LBC reporter Sangita Myska saying: “A Person of Colour becoming Prime Minister would be an historic moment. Just acknowledge that.”

Hereford and South Herefordshire Labour Party tweeted: “Let’s not forget - #AllToryMPsAreTainted & so is #RishiSunakPM for this #EconomicCrisis we will face & yet he’ll be fine!”