A Sandbach councillor and chairman of the Sandbach branch of the Conservatives has called for a period of stability following Boris Johnson's resignation today (Thursday).

Councillor Mike Benson said it's been a tough time but it's time to move on and take stock of things.

He said: "A Prime Minister's job is a difficult one and Boris Johnson has had the Pandemic and then Ukraine to deal with.

"The party can and will get back to what it was elected to do. It was elected with a clear mandate in 2019 and we should now concentrate on the manifesto.

Cllr Mike Benson

"We've had situations like this before but it's time to move on and pull together and get all the departments working well together.

"We've got inflation following the Pandemic to deal with and we need to continue to support the Ukraine."

Cllr Benson's comments come after Cheshire East's Conservative group leader said she was pleased Boris Johnson had resigned but is disappointed he will continue until a new leader is selected.

Cllr Janet Clowes, leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East Council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) she felt Mr Johnson no longer has the leadership credibility to continue in the top job in the meantime.

"I am pleased that Boris Johnson has capitulated, in the light of recent events and advice from senior members, to resign as prime minister," said Cllr Clowes.

Cllr Janet Clowes

"However following those same events, I am disappointed that it is still his intention to serve as caretaker prime minister until his successor has been selected.

"This may be a lengthy period and, sadly, I no longer feel he has the leadership credibility to continue running the country in the interim.

"I believe that there are sufficient senior parliamentarians – without aspirations to enter the leadership contest – to hold the ship steady until the new leader takes office.

"I am not alone in this opinion and it may be that further developments will be forthcoming in this regard."