“In all of my seven and a half years in Parliament, the scenes we saw yesterday in the Commons were unprecedented and beggars belief.
“The Prime Minister has lost control of the government and the confidence of Conservative MPs.
“She called herself a fighter, not a quitter. But in recent weeks she has backed down and U-turned every time she was challenged to a fight.
“For the good of the country, she needs to resign.
“We are in a difficult situation. I fully appreciate just how frustrated and upset people are at the state of our politics. I share many of their concerns.
“I understand why some are calling for a general election. But I am concerned that holding one right now would only prolong the uncertainty and instability in government, the markets, and elsewhere for months to come, which is the last thing we need.
“Rishi Sunak’s predictions about the disastrous consequences of Liz Truss’s policies have been proven right. We now need someone like him to step up to show that they can get a grip on the situation and lead from the front.
“Whilst Rishi would be my preference, I am willing to get behind anyone who will provide the leadership we need, is up to the job and will get back to delivering on the 2019 Manifesto we were elected on.”