Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell resigned his position as a UK trade envoy to New Zealand on Thursday night, in protest at the then Prime Minister’s position.
He also revealed in a tweet that he had written to the chairman of the influential 1922 Committee confirming he had no confidence in the PM and backing a further vote of no confidence in him as a matter of urgency.
Following news of Mr Johnson’s resignation yesterday, Mr Mundell said “The Prime Minister has taken the correct decision to resign his position and the most important thing now is to provide the country with the stability it needs as we deal with the many domestic and international challenges currently faced.
“Locally, I know people will want to see decisive action on the cost-of-living crisis to help families through these difficult times. That must be our focus over the months ahead and it will certainly be mine.”
Meanwhile, Dumfries and Galloway MP, and Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, yesterday continued to express his support for the outgoing Premier.
He said: “I am sad to see Boris Johnson stand down as Prime Minister. He has achieved a huge amount in office, including delivering Brexit, supporting the country through covid, and leading the international response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Most importantly, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Union.
“Boris is a good friend, as well as the leader of my party, and I wish him well for the future.”
The region’s MSPs have also been commenting on events at Downing Street, with South Scotland SNP member Emma Harper saying: “Boris Johnson’s resignation is welcome but for Scotland it changes very little – we’re still controlled by a Westminster system that saw fit to make him Prime Minister.
“And the fact Alister Jack is still supporting Boris Johnson displays his utter contempt for his Dumfries and Galloway constituents and indeed the people of Scotland.
“My constituents deserve better than a Westminster psychodrama – they deserve good governance.”
Labour’s Colin Smyth added: “Boris Johnson should have quit months ago and local Tory MPs and MSPs who continued to back him time after time are complicit in inflicting his carnage on our country.
“We need not just a change of Prime Minister but a General Election so we can have a change of Government.”
