BORDERS MP John Lamont has responded to Boris Johnson's announcement to step down as Prime Minister.

This afternoon (July 7) the Prime Minister announced outside 10 Downing Street that he would be stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party, and that plans for a leadership race would be announced next week.

Mr Lamont, who represents the Conservatives in the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk constituency, resigned from his position as parliamentary private secretary to Liz Truss MP last month.

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In response to Mr Johnson's announcement, the Borders MP said: “When I resigned over a month ago and voted against the Prime Minister, I was very clear that I believed he had lost the faith of the British people.

“It is welcome that many of my colleagues have now come to the same conclusion and the Prime Minister has resigned.

“He must now step down immediately and make way for a caretaker Prime Minister."

Leading up to the Prime Minister's announcement today, a number of big government names announced their resignation from Johnson's government, namely Rishi Sunak – who has now been replaced by Nadhim Zahawi as Chancellor – and Sajid Javid.

Mr Lamont added: “I take no pleasure in the current situation. I want every Prime Minister to be a success, because ultimately that is what is best for our country.

“We must now move on quickly and elect a new leader. Borderers are rightfully concerned about the cost of living. I am committed to working with the new Prime Minister to resolve the most pressing issues as soon as possible.”