THE leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East Council is hopeful the errors of the last six weeks can now be put right as Rishi Sunak is named prime minister.

Mr Sunak was announced as the new leader of the Conservative Party this afternoon following Penny Mordaunt's withdrawal from the contest.

The 42-year-old, who is the UK's first Asian prime minister, takes over from Liz Truss, who resigned after just 45 days in office last week.

Now Janet Clowes, the leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East Council has shared her thoughts.

She said: “Whilst I appreciate members of the Conservative Party may have wished to have input into this decision, the important element is that a significant majority of MPs have come behind a single candidate.

"As a result, we can now move forward quickly to put right the errors of the last six weeks and actually move on with dealing with the issues that are affecting our country now and making sure parliament and all our MPs, of whatever party, are able to carry on with the job they were elected to do."

Speaking publicly for the first time since being announced as the next Prime Minister, Mr Sunak said: “I am humbled and honoured to have the support of my parliamentary colleagues.

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

“We now need stability and unity, and I will make it my upmost priority to bring out party and country together, that is the only way we will overcome the challenges we face.

“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.”