IN a belated statement on the announcement of Rishi Sunak as the UK’s new Prime Minister, Wellington and Wiveliscombe MP Rebecca Pow welcomed the speed of the transition of power.

Mr Sunak succeeds Liz Truss, who resigned as Prime Minister last week following her success in the summer Conservative leadership contest after Boris Johnson’s resignation.

Ms Pow said: “I am thrilled that Rishi Sunak has been selected as the leader of the Conservative Party in what has been a well conducted and swift process.

“While thanking everyone for their support and for entrusting him with this role, Rishi is determined to unite the party, pull together all its diverse talents, and to get on immediately with addressing the challenges the country faces.

“He is not underestimating the scale of the task.

“With this pragmatic and determined approach I am confident we will take the steps necessary to get the economy on track and, importantly, the steps needed to provide support and help for all those facing cost of living pressures.

“I am proud to have supported Rishi from day one.

“I know he has what it takes to be the Prime Minister our country needs at this critical time.”