I WILL be backing Rishi Sunak to be the new leader of the Conservative Party and our new Prime Minister following Boris Johnson stepping down.

When he was Chancellor, his quick thinking and creativity during the pandemic protected the jobs, livelihood and wellbeing of thousands across Stroud through furlough and grants and loans.

He shares my passion for improving life chances for all children, strengthening families and supporting the vital skills agenda for our economy.

He is also experienced on how we can manage the economy – the number one priority as we tackle the cost of living, the post pandemic recovery and the war in Ukraine.

I would now like the contest to be wrapped up as quickly as possible so the new PM can get to his or her desk and start work before the party conference season.

We do have a good field of excellent candidates but I feel that Rishi will be the best.

I hope he makes it to the last two that go before the party’s membership over the summer.

I am on maternity leave at the moment so I wasn’t in Westminster last week for all the drama that took place. I did manage to watch a bit on the telly. However, I was able to make my feelings known that Boris Johnson had lost my confidence as Prime Minister. It is a sad state of affairs but I am pleased he stepped down.

As many you read this column know, I am a long-time supporter and campaigner for early years provision.

The Department for Education is proposing to update the funding formulae for the early education entitlements for children aged two to four.

There is currently an open consultation running on this until 16th September and it is important that Stroud views are heard on this topic.