DORSET’s MPs have reacted to the news of Liz Truss stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister. 

The PM sensationally quit her role yesterday afternoon in a speech outside Number 10, saying: “I recognise I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party.”

Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope has let rip at his Conservative colleagues for ousting Liz Truss.

The veteran Tory politician has said a general election needs to be called.

Reacting to the end of her 44-day premiership, Sir Christopher told Daily Echo: “I think it is a disaster. A disaster for the country, a disaster for the Conservative Party. It shows the Conservative parliamentary party is ungovernable.

“I said if we got rid of Liz Truss, my revolting colleagues have forced her out of office, we need a general election – that remains my view.”

He said he had “no idea” who should take over and that he was considering being a “conscious abstainer.

Sir Christopher said he found the whole situation “beyond belief”.

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Michael Tomlinson said she had “done the right thing” and that the next general election will still happen in 2024. 

Speaking with the Echo, Mr Tomlinson said: “On a human level, I feel very sorry for Liz. She was chosen a matter of weeks ago and it has all unraveled incredibly quickly. But she has done the right thing. 

Read more: Poole MP speaks out about Prime Minister's resignation

“My focus right now is what’s on the good of my constituents and the good of the country, and that’s better if it is moving quickly rather than having a long, drawn-out process.” 

Mr Tomlinson would not suggest who he thinks should be the next leader but wishes he or she “can command a majority of the parliamentary party”. 

Poole MP Sir Robert Syms said he is “pleased” to see Liz Truss leave because “clearly things weren’t working”, adding: “over the last four or five weeks, the Downing Street operation, coordinating with the whips and everything else didn't seem to get into its stride.” 

Read more: Michael Tomlinson: 'Next general election will happen in 2024'

“Yesterday, with several things happening, just showed that the Prime Minister wasn't on top of the situation. I think she now accepts that, so I'm glad that she's made the decision she has so that we can select a successor and move on.” 

Sir Robert added he anticipates only a few candidates will throw their hat into the ring for the leadership contest, which is scheduled to conclude by October 28.  

“There is an appetite for people to get on and select somebody who's popular,” he added. “I don't think the last month will have helped us in terms of our appeal at the next election. 

“But, if people feel disappointed, then they will have the opportunity to vote us out in two years. 

New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne said: “I need to reflect and realign to the metaphysical plane over the weekend.” 

We contacted our other MPs Conor Burns, Tobias Ellwood and Simon Hoare for a comment but they failed to return our calls.

Mr Hoare and Mr Ellwood appeared on national media to give pass comment on the situation.