Leeds MP Alec Shelbrooke becomes latest Conservative to criticise Boris Johnson's leadership

Elmet and Rothwell MP Alec Shelbrooke has become the latest Conservative to criticise the leadership of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Several ministers have stepped down and the PM has been forced to make appointments to replace the likes of Rishi Sunak as chancellor and Sajid Javid as health secretary.

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Stuart Andrew, MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough, stepped down as housing minister earlier today and claimed in his letter of resignation that both the Conservative Party and country 'deserve better'.

Mr Shelbrooke has now offered his view, posting a statement on social media and joining the list of Conservatives who have opposed Mr Johnson.

His statement read: "It has been my view that the seriousness of world events and the UK's leadership in support of Ukraine required stability in leadership at home; however, it is now clear to me that the Prime Minister's leadership of the Conservative Party can go on no longer as it is causing a distraction from the serious international issues we face as a country.

"Honesty and integrity should be the watchwords of all politicians, and it remains so for the large majority of Conservative MPs. I no longer believe, after several resets that these values can be re-embedded under the current leadership."

Mr Shelbrooke has now offered his view, posting a statement on social media. Credit: Steve Ridingplaceholder image
Mr Shelbrooke has now offered his view, posting a statement on social media. Credit: Steve Riding

The PM's reign has been dogged by criticism in recent months, with 'partygate' and the handling of the Chris Pincher scandal landing him condemnation from members of his own party.

Mr Shelbrooke has been the MP for Elmet and Rothwell since 2010, when he entered parliament in the same year as fellow Leeds Conservative MP Mr Andrew.

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