Newark MP Robert Jenrick says now not the right time for Boris Johnson to return and doubles down on support for Rishi Sunak becoming next Prime Minister of UK
The MP for Newark, Robert Jenrick has said in a statement that now is not the right time for Boris Johnson to return as the keys to 10 Downing Street change hands once again.
Mr Jenrick has doubled down on support for Rishi Sunak, re-endorsing his bid to become the UK's next Prime Minister following the resignation of Liz Truss earlier this week after just 44 days in the top job.
As rumours about which Conservatives will launch their own bids to fill the vacancy, the Newark MP posted a series of tweets explaining his views on why he believes Boris Johnson should not attempt to return to his former role.
"The stakes could not be higher for the country." Mr Jenrick said, as Rishi Sunak declared himself a runner.
"As someone who helped elect Boris in 2019, served loyally in his cabinet, now is not the right time for a return.
"We need serious, competent leadership and the best person to deliver this is Rishi Sunak.
"Boris defeated Jeremy Corbyn, got Brexit across the line, marshalled us through the pandemic and led Europe’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He will go down in history as a consequential leader who got the big calls right.
"However, we should not forget that 43 days ago the party removed Boris Johnson as serious issues engulfed his premiership.
"Some of these remain unresolved. Given the breadth and scale of the international and domestic challenges facing the country there can be no more distractions.
"The markets will no longer tolerate fiscal cakeism. We need someone who is able to make the hard and painful decisions needed to stabilise the economy — and that man is undoubtedly Rishi Sunak.
"Economic confidence and stability is the foundation of everything.
"There may be another moment for Boris, but now is not the time for him to take back the reigns.
"His legacy will live on through the 2019 manifesto which the party should now unite behind as our mandate for governing and the roadmap for a more prosperous United Kingdom."
