Rishi Sunak prime minister: Leeds residents react as former Chancellor wins Conservative Party leadership race

The former Chancellor of the Exchequer has won the snap leadership contest after Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the race, shortly before the 2pm deadline to get the backing of 100 MPs.

Mr Sunak was viewed as the favourite for the position after former prime minister Boris Johnson pulled out of the race on Sunday evening. He will now be looking at a cabinet reshuffle as he replaces Liz Truss, the shortest reigning Prime Minister in British history.

Yorkshire Evening Post readers have weighed in with their thoughts following the announcement this afternoon.

Mark Hyde said: “He’s only there for the rich and privileged society.” Neil Watson added: “He's that popular with his own party members, they chose someone else, the first time of asking, that's how good they think he is.”

Karolis Ra was sceptical of the way Rishi had been selected, as many called for a general election. They said: “Who voted for him? 100 and something MP’s? Thought UK was a democracy and people have say over who will be head of parliament.”

Carol Coley said: “What a joke!! General election needed.” Craig Green echoed her thoughts, adding: “First choice didn't work out, second choice didn't work out, what are the odds that third choice will? We need a general election.”

Chris Kelly said: “That party just put the final nail in its own coffin. Time for a GE.”

Ms. Truss’s 44-day premiership saw her match Brian Clough’s infamous reign at Leeds United, as well as making her the shortest serving prime minister in British history.

Jacques Womersley said: “Are we taking bets on how long this one will last?”. Tracey Smithyman: “R.I.P Great Britain.”

Others were more sympathetic towards Mr Sunak. Paul Allen said: “Give the man a chance, unlike you did to Truss.” Margaret Holliday added: “Well he can't be any worse than others.”

David Yewdall had similar views. He said: “So many people are being negative. Give the guy a chance he has not even started the job yet. He can be no worse than Truss.”