SENIOR Cumbrian politicians have reacted to news that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned following a fraught 18 months and immense pressure from within the Conservative Party.
Mr Johnson finally heeded calls from his own MPs and ministers to resign on Thursday following months of controversy.
Pressure on the PM has increased with every controversy from allegations of corruption to lockdown breaching parties.
And now, claims that he allowed the Tory whip back into the fold despite allegations of sexual assault have proven to be 'the final straw.'
At 12.30 on Monday, Mr Johnson announced his resignation: "It's clear now the will of the Parliamentary Conservative Party is that there should be a new leader of that party and therefore a new Prime Minister," he said.
READ MORE: Live updates as Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will resign
“I have agreed with Sir Graham Brady the chairman of our backbench MPs that the process of choosing that leader should take place now and the timetable will be announced next week, I’ve today appointed a cabinet to serve as I will until a new leader is in place.”
“When the herd moves, it moves and my friends in politics, no one is remotely indispensable.”
Senior Cumbrians have said that the situation had become 'a farce' on the world’s stage.
Leader of the Labour-Lib Dem led Cumbria County Council Stewart Young said: “It’s bad just from the point of view that the Government is in complete chaos.”
Labour's Councillor Young said that the upheaval in the heart of Government could have major implications for Cumbria.
“We’ve already seen the decision is delayed on the coal mine, we were waiting on a decision for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s bid to take over the fire service.”
He added that the Levelling-Up Fund should have opened for bids including a number of projects key to the progression of Cumbria’s towns and city.
READ MORE: Who will decide on Boris Johnson's replacement? Tory leadership race explained
Mr Johnson looks set to continue as PM until a new Conservative Party leader is selected.
“The PM seems to be indicating he’s got a personal mandate from the people but that isn’t how our politics works.”
John Stevenson, Conservative MP for Carlisle, has been calling for Mr Johnson’s resignation since the publication of the Sue Gray report. He said that the PM has made the right decision.
Mr Stevenson said that while Mr Johnson was at the helm during Covid-19 and delivered Brexit “there were other issues that were undermining his premiership and the office of 10 Downing Street.
“I think there’s recognition that he has done some good things but his Number 10 operations and culture he created I think has undermined his leadership.”
Mr Stevenson backed Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and Malling for the forthcoming leadership race.
“I’ve been supportive of him, I would say the next leader I would prefer is someone who comes out of the cabinet.”
He said that Mr Tugendhat “is somebody who can unite my party.”
Cllr Tim Pickstone, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Cumberland Council believes the party can capitalise and continue winning over former Tory heartland seats: "In local elections like in Cumberland, and in Parliamentary elections like in Tiverton and Honiton, the public have been saying very clearly that they will not forgive the Conservatives for "propping up" Boris Johnson for so long."
Conservative MP for Workington Mark Jenkinson said: “Today we should have been hosting Boris Johnson here in Workington. I am relieved that the events of the last few days are coming to an end, but I’m also incredibly sad at the loss of a Prime Minister who led us to such an incredible election victory.
He said: “He delivered Brexit, led us through Covid, led the world in its support for Ukraine and has only just started to deliver tax reform that will benefit each of us.
“I was proud to back him to be the leader of our party, and I have been proud to call Boris Johnson a friend to Workington.
“As 2022 progresses we’ll see the fruits of that friendship – that predates his announcement of the Town Deal shortlist at the start of his tenure, when I was deputy leader of Allerdale Borough Council."
Mr Jenkinson said: “There will be many that gloat today but beneath it all, we must not forget, is a human being with a family. Every one of us comes into politics to make a positive difference, though we may differ on how we get there. Politics is rewarding but often so brutal.
“Boris can hold his head and say confidently that he’s made that positive difference to the lives of tens of millions of people, both here and across the world.”
Conservative MP for Penrith and the Borders Neil Hudson said: "I welcome the news that the Prime Minister is stepping down. This was the right and proper thing to do for our country. I have consistently called on him to announce that he would bring forth a leadership transition for some time now.
"With the cost of living crisis, the war in Ukraine and a whole host of other pressing issues, the UK needs stable governance. We need a new leader in place as soon as possible to keep the engine of government turning - a leader who can restore honesty and integrity into politics and move the nation forward as one.
"I pay tribute to Mr Johnson's achievements in office, not least overseeing the Covid vaccination rollout and the UK's support for our friends in beleaguered Ukraine.
"I will continue my focus of representing the people of Penrith and The Border to the best of my ability.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel