Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a general election was a “democratic imperative” after the resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss.
“There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately,” the First Minister said on Twitter.
“It’s beyond hyperbole – & parody. Reality though is that ordinary people are paying the price.
“The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now.
Nicola Sturgeon
Jane Barlow
Liz Truss
Kirsty O'Connor
“A general election is now a democratic imperative.”
Her comments come just minutes after Ms Truss announced she would be stepping down as PM.
In a statement read outside No.10, Ms Sturgeon said: “I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability.
“Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills.
“Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent. And our country has been held back for too long by low economic growth.
“I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this – we delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance.
“And we set out a vision for a low-tax, high-growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit.
“I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party.
“I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party.
“This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. We have agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week.
“This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country’s economic stability and national security.
“I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen. Thank you.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Liberal Democrat’s Sir Ed Davey have also called for an immediate general election following Ms Truss’ resignation.