MEMBERS of the Conservative party in North Yorkshire have spoken of their support for Rishi Sunak in the Tory leadership contest.

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has gone head-to-head with Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to become the next UK Prime Minister, with the winner due to be announced on September 5.

MP for Thirsk and Malton, Kevin Hollinrake, outlined his support for the former chancellor.

Mr Hollinrake said: “Rishi has proven ability in the second toughest job in politics, a reputation for calm competence, leads, innovates and implements well and, most importantly, he is a thoroughly decent bloke.

“I’m delighted to confirm my support for Rishi Sunak.”

MP for Scarborough and Whitby, Sir Robert Goodwill, has also backed Mr Sunak.

Sir Goodwill said: “Having demonstrated tremendous leadership and judgment during the pandemic which saved countless jobs and businesses, Rishi gets my support to be our next PM.

“With the cost-of-living crisis and war still raging in Europe we need an experienced leader with a clear plan.”

President of the Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association, Kenelm Storey, also spoke of his support of Mr Sunak.

In a letter to the Gazette and Herald, Mr Storey said: “As a constituency president, I urge you to watch William Hague’s superb endorsement for Rishi Sunak in the current leadership contest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTjqlozvGKo

“I strongly commend William’s sound judgement to those members yet to choose. I for one am most certainly ready for Rishi.”

The Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association, however, will remain impartial on the forthcoming leadership election.

A spokesperson for the Association said: “Our members will get the opportunity to vote as ballot papers land this week but it is an individual choice for them.”