Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Kristy Dawson

Blyth MP expresses sadness at Boris Johnson's resignation claiming he was a 'friend' to the area

A North East MP has expressed his sadness following Boris Johnson's resignation as Prime Minister.

Ian Levy, MP for Blyth Valley, said the Prime Minster had taken an interest in his area, regularly asking him for updates. He said that no other Prime Minister in living memory had visited Blyth but Boris had been three times.

The conservative MP described Mr Johnson as a "strong ally" and a "friend" to the Blyth Valley. During a statement, released on Saturday morning, Mr Levy thanked him for what he had delivered and wished him well.

Read more: Buskers left stunned after Tyson Fury dances to their music in Newcastle city centre

He said: "Boris Johnson has been a friend to Blyth Valley. The Government under his leadership is delivering thousands of new jobs through investments in British Volt and JDR Cables, the Blyth Town Deal, returning passenger rail services on the Northumberland Line, and more besides. Boris has taken a personal interest in Blyth Valley; regularly asking me for updates. No other Prime Minister in living memory has been here. Boris has visited three times.

"I came into politics to make a difference here and Boris has been a strong ally, receptive to what needs to be done to support left behind areas. I wish the Prime Minister and his family all the best and thank him for what he has delivered, and I am ready to work with the next Prime Minister for the continued betterment of Blyth Valley."

Boris Johnson outside of 10 Downing Street (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The Prime Minister was forced into a humiliating apology over his handling of the Chris Pincher row, after it emerged he had forgotten about being told of previous allegations of “inappropriate” conduct. On Tuesday evening, Rishi Sunak quit as chancellor and Sajid Javid resigned as health secretary.

Mr Johnson met ministers in No 10 on Wednesday, where he was told he had lost the confidence of the Tory party and could not continue in office.Mr Levy has described Mr Johnson's resignation as a "bittersweet moment" for him - but has acknowledged that his opinion may not be a popular one.

He said: "I know this will not be a popular thing to say with everybody, but the resignation of the Prime Minister is a bittersweet moment for me. On one hand we can move forward as a nation but on the other I am sad at the loss of a Prime Minister who led us to an extraordinary election victory in December 2019, broke the Brexit deadlock, saw us through the unprecedented Covid pandemic and demonstrated strong leadership in the world’s support for Ukraine. There was much more he wished to do which will now be delivered by a new Prime Minister."

Read more:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.