Blackpool MP encourages constituents to back new Prime Minister

The Blackpool South MP has urged people to support Rishi Sunak – despite favouring a return for Boris Johnson.

Sunak was confirmed as the new Leader of the Conservative Party this week, after he was declared as the only candidate to officially gather enough support of his fellow MPs.

Scott Benton said: ‘’Congratulations to Rishi Sunak on becoming Conservative Party Leader and Prime Minister.

‘’I make no secret of the fact that I supported Boris returning for a number of different reasons. However he decided to put the interests of the country first, above his personal ambitions, and to avoid a contest, despite the fact that he had the support of enough colleagues to take it to a contest.

‘’If Rishi is successful, our country will be successful. I wish him well and whatever your politics, I hope that you’ll support him in the national interest.’’

It had been widely thought that Johnson would also run, but he pulled out of the contest, despite claiming he had enough backers of his own to stand against him.

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