Dorset Chamber has reacted to the Conservatives backing Rishi Sunak as the new Prime Minister.

Chief executive Ian Girling said: “I am glad that this decision has been reached quickly after such turbulence and uncertainty over recent weeks.

“The new Prime Minister must now show firm and decisive leadership to unite his party and inspire confidence amongst businesses and UK plc.

“He can do this by unequivocally setting out economic recovery as his top priority with a long-term, sustainable plan built around business-friendly policies to put us back on the road to growth.

“Businesses in Dorset remain extremely concerned about the future in the face of huge energy costs and major recruitment issues as well as rising inflation, costs and interest rates.

“These are just a few of the most pressing issues in the new Prime Minister’s in-tray.  The internal bickering within the Conservative Party must stop so Rishi Sunak can get on with the job and provide the support, stability and certainty we so desperately need.”