"This afternoon the Prime Minister has announced his resignation. The manner of Boris Johnson's departure should not overshadow the way in which he has led our country through the immense challenges of the past 3 years: ending the Brexit nightmare; taking our country through the Covid Pandemic, the biggest national crisis since the Second World War; and working closely with the leadership of Ukraine from the start of the Russian invasion.
There may be a change in occupant in number 10 Downing Street but there is no change in the need to ensure this Government is focussed on the biggest concern faced by people in Basingstoke: the escalating cost of living, caused by increased energy costs and inflation, all linked directly to the impact of the pandemic on the global economy. A new Cabinet has been quickly established and its priority needs to be ensuring no delay in the roll-out of support for families facing financial hardship because of the knock-on effect of the pandemic; and no delay in essential legislation."