CHESHIRE politicians have given their reaction to Liz Truss’ resignation this afternoon, with one Conservative apologising amidst what he called ‘the Westminster maelstrom’.

The former Foreign Secretary was at the helm for just a little more than six weeks, making her premiership the shortest in British history.

She stepped down following a disastrous ‘mini-budget’ and a tumultuous time in office beset by sackings and resignations among her top team, as well as chaos and division at the heart of government.

Writing on Facebook, Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, branded the outgoing PM ‘a disaster’ for his constituents and called for a general election.

He said: “The consequences of her actions - they crashed the pound, they borrowed on the never-never and this led to soaring mortgage rates, with some households having to find hundreds of pounds more in monthly repayments.

“On energy bills, they are now talking about changing the cap with millions of families now facing bills of up to £5,000 from next spring.

“Foodbank use is growing through the ceiling. People are feeling anxious and insecure. But this is 12 years of Tory government and we can’t have a situation where the British public don’t get a say, yet again.”

Edward Timpson, Conservative MP for Eddisbury, apologised for what he called ‘the instability and concern' caused by the question of the Conservative Party leadership in recent months.

He said: “Periods of flux can also be opportunities for Members of Parliament to make their case for their constituencies even more strongly, and Cheshire residents can be assured that I will be doing so on crucial issues including broadband rollout, healthcare, bus connections and agriculture that I promised them I would advance in 2019.”

He added: “Whatever the Westminster maelstrom, I have always kept my head down, and those who elected me uppermost in my thoughts. That will not be changing.”

Cheshire West Northwich Witton councillor Sam Naylor (Labour) also called for a general election. He said: “We can’t have three Prime Ministers in the space of just over three years, it just trashes our political reputation. I have never experienced political turmoil like this.

“You just can’t go out without a mandate from the British public, an election is so required for political stability. It’s the only way we can move forward – and I don’t envy anyone who will want to govern the country. It should be now, more than ever, down to the British public.”

The leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East Council called for her party to put a new leader in place as soon as possible to bring national finances back under control.

Cllr Janet Clowes said: “After the political turbulence of the past few weeks, the resignation of Liz Truss is not unexpected.

“In the light of ongoing national and international pressures, together with Russia’s war against Ukraine, it is imperative that a new, effective leadership is identified, at pace. This is essential in order to bring national finances back under control and to restore economic stability, in line with the chancellor’s financial statement and the next OBR (office for budget responsibility) report, both due on October 31.

“In the meantime, irrespective of Westminster, local Conservative councillors like myself remain wholly committed to working hard to meet the needs of our residents within the constraints of the Labour/Independent-led Cheshire East Council.”

Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West Labour councillor for Winsford Wharton, added: “Whoever their next leader is, the Tories have underfunded essential services like our NHS and forced people in Winsford and across the country to rely on foodbanks. We need a general election and a Labour government now.”

Tatton MP Esther McVey said: “Resigning was the right decision. We need to get on and deliver for the people of this country.

"We must come together as a party, get behind a new leader and agree on a team that can deliver our manifesto commitments.

"That team needs to work at pace and get on with the important work of Government.”