Grimsby MP backs the return of Boris Johnson

Grimsby MP backs the return of Boris Johnson

Grimsby MP Lia Nici has confirmed her support former prime minister Boris Johnson returning to lead the Conservative Party.

Following the resignation of Liz Truss yesterday afternoon, MPs have scrambled to declare support of upcoming candidates.

Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson and Penny Mourdant are all expected to run, with Sunak and Mourdant gathering the most support so far.

Now, Lia Nici has confirmed her support for Johnson, claiming that her constituents ‘didn’t ever want to see him go’. She said: “I think Boris Johnson is the leader that the country wants and voted for, especially in my constituency. They believe that he wants to make positive change and I support that, and I think he’s the leader that can move the country forward in the direction we want.”

🗣️ “I think Boris Johnson is the leader that the country wants […] especially in my constituency”

🤦 Lia Nici: an unwavering embarrassment pic.twitter.com/q14iTTW3tQ

— What Is Lia Nici Voting For? (@LiaNiciUpdates) October 21, 2022

Speaking to the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service she added: “I’m backing Boris Johnson because he is the person who has the real mandate from the electorate to be prime minister. He also has the backing of the majority of people in the constituency of Great Grimsby, who didn’t ever want to see him go. They want to see him back.

“We’ve got to stop with trial by media in this country and we need a prime minister who has an excellent reputation, not only in the country but around the world. Boris Johnson is head and shoulders above all the other potential candidates.”

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has declined to endorse any candidate.

A new leader is expected to be announced no later than Friday 28 October.

Updates to follow.