I have been incredibly proud of the achievements of Boris Johnson during his time as Prime Minister. His zeal to level up parts of the UK – including Northumberland – to ensure everyone has access to the same great opportunities and to harness the incredible talent on these islands are one of the reasons I supported him. He has had an ability to appeal to voters who had previously not felt heard, delivering Brexit against all the odds, allowing us to take back control of our decision-making as a country. He supported the lives and livelihoods of our people across the UK throughout the pandemic - his leadership on vaccines undoubtedly saved many lives and enabled the UK to emerge from lockdown faster than our neighbours. His global leadership in support of Ukraine against the barbarism of Putin’s illegal invasion is a credit to our nation, and I know the next leader of the party will continue with that support. I thank him for that service.
This week, I have had cause to hold some candid conversations with the Prime Minister about the future of the nation and his part in it. I have always been clear that the decision he took had to be his own, and I am pleased he has now set out his path clearly to the nation.
I have been asked to remain in post as Secretary of State for International Trade, and I am honoured to do so. My government role is international in nature, and the stability of the UK’s trading relationships and the ongoing high-level discussions surrounding free trade agreement negotiations must continue to ensure stability in those discussions, in investment and global markets.
The Conservative party – elected in 2019 with the largest Parliamentary majority since 1987 -will now elect a new leader to continue to implement the policies the nation voted for and that leader will have my full support in delivering for the British people.
