Rayner reaffirms demand for general election after Sunak is announced as new PM
Date published: 24 October 2022
Ashton and Failsworth MP - and Labour Party deputy leader - Angela Rayner
Ashton and Failsworth MP - and Labour Party Deputy Leader - Angela Rayner has again called for a general election after Rishi Sunak was confirmed as the new UK Prime Minister.
Mr Sunak will step up to replace Liz Truss after Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the Tory leadership race in the final minutes before nominations closed.
His ascent to the highest office in the land is a significant moment for British Asians.
The 42-year-old has parents of Indian descent and becomes the first British Asian prime minister of the UK.
However, local MP Ms Rayner has criticised Mr Sunak's record of late.
"The Tories have crowned Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister without him saying a single word about how he would run the country and without anyone having the chance to vote," said Ms Rayner.
“This is the same Rishi Sunak who as Chancellor failed to grow the economy, failed to get a grip on inflation, and failed to help families with the Tory cost of living crisis.
“And it’s the same Rishi Sunak whose family avoided paying tax in this country before he put up taxes on everyone else.
“With his record - and after Liz Truss comprehensively beat him over the summer - it’s no wonder he is dodging scrutiny.
“Rishi Sunak has no mandate and no idea what working people need.
"We need a general election so the public get a say on the future of Britain – and the chance for a fresh start with Labour.”
Ms Mordaunt withdrew from the latest contest minutes before the result was announced at 2pm, admitting it was "clear that colleagues feel we need certainty today".
"This decision is an historic one and shows, once again, the diversity and talent of our party," Ms Mordaunt wrote in a tweet.
"Rishi has my full support."
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