After finally finding a voice to criticise the Prime Minister last night, Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, has today (Thursday) come out and said the PM “must go now” and make way for others to come forward.
Earlier today the Boris Johnson announced he would be resigning as Leader of the Conservative Party, but would remain as Prime Minister until a new leader had been elected.
This will happen in the autumn and could see Johnson in place until as late as October. Many have called for him to step down as PM and allow a caretaker PM to step in.
Seely: I’m sorry it has ended this way
Having previously been supportive of Johnson through the Party Gate scandal, Seely joined those calls today. He said,
“I believe Boris has made the right decision to step aside. Despite his past strengths, he is becoming a distraction to governing Britain. I am concerned that important debates and important issues – on the Island and nationally – are being drowned out by the incessant noise from Downing Street.
“I thank Boris for his service, he’s had some big wins – and I’m sorry it has ended this way – but I believe his resignation today is the right decision for the Conservative Party and the right decision for our country.”
Seely: Make way for others to come forward
Seely went on to say,
“I believe Boris should go now and make way for others to come forward. We need to move swiftly on. We need a new leader who has the trust and respect of his or her colleagues – and a renewed sense of purpose – to govern us through a pivotal stage in our country’s history and meet the nation’s challenges.
“We need to regroup, rebuild and get on with delivering for the people we represent.
“I look forward to working with a revitalised ministerial team who can help me to continue to deliver improvements for the Island.”
Support throughout Partygate
Seely’s declaration of support for Johnson during the Vote of Confidence, landed him in hot water last month.
His justification for supporting the PM, amidst the Partygate scandal, led to all sorts of trouble for Seely, and was followed by accusations of corruption having to be denied in Parliament and in the national media.
