The new Prime Minister must address many issues

We are fortunate enough to have two high-calibre candidates to choose from who have the support of the parliamentary party – and it is now down to our membership to decide.

We will then be faced with the choice of uniting behind the winner to give the support from the grassroots which will provide the mandate for taking us forward as a party – and a country – or not.

There is no doubt that the political spectrum over this three-year period has changed, moved, shifted, stalled and possibly been reinvented.

We’ve seen the formation of two – or is it three? – new parties with name changes, MPs changing sides, factional disputes, internal investigations and rebellion in all ranks.

And it’s affected all the big parties in Westminster – all while the general public have had to sit back and watch mayhem ensue.

The world must look on as our politics are discussed and scrutinised with growing degrees of confusion and disbelief.

The UK is known for being the ‘mother of democracy’ and an example to others.

Sadly, we have not seen true democracy on display in our country over the past three years for many reasons and through many disagreements.

I am now looking forward to seeing the next Prime Minister restore our belief in the democracy that we all seek, expect and deserve.

There are so many issues that we need to address and see properly funded as a country – from our environment to homelessness, mental health, crime, education, diversity and equality – and many more.

With the world looking on, we now need to be clear, decisive and demonstrate that as the fifth-largest global economy, we can lead, advise and provide solutions on world issues – such as climate change, carbon emissions, single-use plastics, human trafficking, conflict and more. And we can.