LOCAL politicians and groups have reacted to news that Rishi Sunak has become the new Prime Minister.

Mr Sunak was the only member to secure the backing of 100 MPs.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin congratulated Mr Sunak on becoming the first person of colour to hold the position of Prime Minister but then urged him to act immediately to invest in rail services in the North.

In a statement she said: “I must congratulate Rishi Sunak for becoming the first person of colour to become our Prime Minister - an important milestone for our brilliant and diverse nation. However, the jury is out on whether he’ll govern with compassion and support all parts of society including the most vulnerable.

“Rishi Sunak comes to power at a time when rail services across the North of England grind to a halt due to years of underinvestment, including when he was chancellor. Therefore, he must act immediately to resolve this.

“My door is open should he want to ensure plans to fix the economy deliver fairly for all parts of the country. But my message to the new Prime Minister is clear: we need a plan to save our economy, protect our households and rescue our public services.”

Labour MP for Bradford East, Imran Hussain has called for a general election, claiming the party is more interested in fighting amongs themselves than working for the country.

He said: “Rishi Sunak has won this contest without any mandate, policy announcements, or even the most basic of public scrutiny.

“As the third Prime Minister in two months takes office, it is clear that whoever is in charge of the Conservatives, the Party is more interested in fighting amongst themselves than working for the country.

“Sunak, who once boasted of depriving areas like Bradford of funding to give to the South, will now push forward another round of austerity without any public mandate.

“No matter which Prime Minister, this Government is unable to deliver anything but cuts and poverty for the people of Bradford. It’s time for a general election to give the public their say.”

Phillip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley was delighted to welcome the new Prime Minister. 

He believes Sunak is the right man for the job, who will restore the government's credibility and reputation.

He said: “I am delighted that Rishi has won the leadership contest and will be our next Prime Minister.  I have supported Rishi from the start. He is smart, personable and charismatic and he will restore some much-needed reputation for competence and credibility to the government.

“I also believe Rishi is the first ever MP representing a Yorkshire constituency to be Prime Minister which has to be good for our great county.

“I wish him every success in what is a very challenging time for the global economy”

The Conservative Group on Bradford Council has welcomed the appointment of Mr Sunak as the new Leader of the Conservative Party and the new Prime Minister, while acknowledging the last few months have been a rollercoaster ride.

Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, Leader of the Conservative Group on Bradford Council, said: “The last few months in Westminster have been something of a rollercoaster ride for all involved and all of us watching from the sidelines.

“At a time when there are so many very very serious issues facing the nation, such as the threats to energy and food security, the worldwide cost of living crisis, pandemics and the increased threats of war, it is imperative that the upheaval in Parliament comes to an end and the government focus on these issues rather than internal distractions.

“As such, my Conservative Group colleagues and I are delighted that a new Prime Minister is in post, who we will support in whatever ways that we can, in his endeavours to help the people through these testing times. 

"As Rishi has served as a Minister of State for Local Government and Chancellor of The Exchequer, coupled with his recent commitment to provide councils with additional funding to deal with the key pressure of meeting an ever-increasing demand on Adult Social Care Services, we are confident that he has the experience required to enable key services to be delivered to the people of Bradford District and beyond and we hope that everyone involved in politics now get on with the very significant immediate challenges and also those on the horizon.”

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk, contact us here or call us on 01274 705292.