HARWICH and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin has congratulated Liz Truss on her victory following the announcement of the leadership election results and offered his commiserations to Rishi Sunak.

Ms Truss won the race to become Britain’s new Prime Minister and the leader of the Conservative Party.

The former Foreign Secretary was announced as the victor of the Tory leadership contest yesterday at the QEII Conference Centre after securing 81,326 votes.

Her challenger, Rishi Sunak, fell short despite winning over 60,399 Conservative Party members following Boris Johnson’s decision to resign back in July.

Sir Bernard said: “The leadership debates have encouraged a frank discussion about many of the challenges facing the country at this difficult time. 

“The severe cost of living crisis, and particularly energy prices, must be at the top of the list for action. 

“I have argued for further support for those most in need, including those facing fuel poverty at home as well as businesses struggling in the face of rising energy costs.

“I will continue to press the case with the new Prime Minister and her ministerial team as they seek to ease the pressures being felt.”

Ms Truss will officially become Prime Minister tomorrow after an audience with Her Majesty the Queen at Balmoral, and Sir Bernard has offered his full support to her as she takes on the role.

The new Prime Minister fought the campaign on a programme of delivering low taxation while ensuring that support is available to those who need it most.

She is also committed to building on freeports with new economic zones which will spread opportunity is prosperity more equally across the country.

Sir Bernard added: “Ms Truss must also grip the situation in Ukraine with the same vigour of the previous administration and continue to stand up to Putin’s aggression. 

“I will also be raising the major local issues with her ministers from day one, most notably the need for an offshore grid to address the wholly unsuitable pylon proposals.”

Sir Bernard has said he will also encourage the new Government to consider coastal areas in particular as they develop growth and regeneration policies.