Liberal Democrats in the Congleton constituency are predicting the new Prime Minister is in for a bumpy ride following his appointment today (Monday).

Rishi Sunak claimed the leadership of the party and the job of Prime Minister after Penny Mordaunt joined Boris Johnson in pulling out of the race.

Sunak became the country's third prime minister since 2019 and the Chair of Congleton Constituency Liberal Democrats, Phil Williams, says he would like to see a General Election.

"Rishi Sunak is our second Prime Minister this year not to have been elected by the people of the United Kingdom. These are unprecedented and unsettling times," said Phil Williams.

"I would prefer to see a General Election with the people of this country given their chance to have their say.

"I have to say that had I been a Conservative Party member I would have voted for Sunak in that Party's leadership contest."

Mr Williams says like many others, he had grave doubts about Liz Truss and those fears proved to be well-founded.

Phil Williams

"Sunak at least has some financial insight, although it remains to be seen what the budget announcement holds at the end of the month. I don't anticipate good news for public services," he said.

"Whatever the case, the new Prime Minister is going to have his work cut out trying to bring unity to his demoralised and weakened Party.

"Opposition voices will grow ever stronger and rightly so given the shocking levels of mismanagement and ineptitude seen in Westminster in recent years.

"I certainly don't envy him the role. Whatever our politics I think we are in for a bumpy ride.

"We need stability, cool heads and competence. People's confidence in the political system needs to be restored." 

"At least Boris Johnson has done the decent thing for once by not staging a come-back - although he was clearly planning to do so.

"Mind you, that could have split the Conservative Party and triggered an early General Election - which would have been a welcome outcome.

"It is time for the people to decide. Johnson had an electoral mandate and squandered it.

"Sunak inherits a poisoned chalice. I wish him well for all that. He has a good head on his shoulders. He will need it."