Newbury MP Laura Farris backs Rishi Sunak for next PM and apologises for her own party

Newbury MP Laura Farris has apologised for the instability and disruption caused by her own party – and has backed Rishi Sunak to become the next Prime Minister.

And she says it is right that Liz Truss stood down.

“A constituency like Newbury has so much to gain from good governance and I am frustrated by the impact of this on my constituents' lives and on my ability to effect change on their behalf,” she said.

“Being Prime Minister is an extraordinary privilege and requires the highest level of care, diligence and skill. Whatever the merits of her economic objectives, she made serious errors and her position was irrecoverable.

”I have to add that it was clear throughout the summer that inflation was taking off across the world creating enormous pressure on household budgets and interest rates.

“The war in Ukraine is having a profound global effect. Sound economic management was always going to be imperative and these were arguments that Rishi Sunak made throughout the leadership race. He was right. I maintain the view that he has the skills, experience and integrity to provide the country with the leadership it now needs.

“During any leadership race, there is always the opportunity for backbench MPs to make robust representations about the future direction of their constituency – something I will do energetically in the days ahead.

"Meanwhile, I will return to the House next week looking forward to a swift conclusion to the current uncertainty and determined to do my duty for the people I represent.”