Shropshire Star

Shropshire and Mid Wales MPs back Theresa May amid general election fallout

The region’s MPs have put their backing behind Theresa May, despite the party having lost the majority in the snap election.

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Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street

Shropshire's MPs gave their support to the Prime Minister as she announced she would continue in the role for a “period of stability”.

Her future came under scrutiny from fellow MPs, including some within the Conservative Party, who claimed she had led a “dreadful campaign” and must now consider her position.

However, Shropshire’s MPs, who all retained their seats, said they would continue to back Mrs May as she moved forward with Brexit negotiations.

Mark Pritchard, who retained his role as MP for The Wrekin despite having his majority cut by more than 1,000, said it was in the “national interest” for her to continue.

He said: “The UK doesn’t need more uncertainty – so Theresa May should stay on as PM, must stay on as PM, and will stay on as PM – in the national interest!“There is no question of a leadership election. A 43 per cent share of national vote is very significant. Also it might lead to another general election.”

Daniel Kawczynski, who was elected for the fourth time to serve the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency, said: “I want to support her and I think obviously we will have to work with the DUP from Northern Ireland to secure a majority in the House of Commons.

“With the DUP we will have just enough. I want to support her, I think she is done a huge amount in preparing for Brexit negotiations and I think she is a good leader, so I will support her and that is the message I will take back to the House of Commons on Monday.

“Our country is hugely polarised on this issue and there are huge differences of opinion in what Brexit should mean. When I have been speaking to people many have said they don’t actually want a single majority, or a huge majority that could ram their version of the Brexit through.”

“There are critics of both party leaders and both parties. But now we have to rally behind the Prime Minister and support her to carry on as the leader.

“I think she is the best candidate.”

Owen Paterson, who was re-elected for the sixth time to serve North Shropshire, has refused to speculate on the Prime Minister’s future, claiming it was “too soon” to pass comment.

Glyn Davies, who increased his majority in Montgomeryshire by more than 3,000 votes, said he would be “fully supporting” the Prime Minister.

He said: “I think we have had a disappointing night as a Conservative Party, there is no getting away from that.

“Even though I had a good night, I am clearly disappointed by the national result.

“It is absolutely crucial that we do not respond with panic and it is true show that she continues in her leadership role.”

“Anything else would be a real problem for us as a party but also the Government.

“She is the right person to deal with Brexit effectively. Things have changed though, and she needs to deal effectively with Brexit negotiations but also to ensure that other political parties are on board with discussions.

“She needs to look into options and any other ideas too.”

Speaking to the nation in her constituency of Maidenhead following the county, Mrs May said: “At this time more than anything else, this country needs a period of stability.

“And if, as the indications have shown and if this is correct that the Conservative Party has won the most seats and probably the most votes, then it will be incumbent on us to ensure we have that period of stability – and that is exactly what we will do.”

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne secured his return to the constituency with the largest absolute majority ever.

Mr Dunne has previously spoken out in support of Mrs May and was also appointed as a senior minister in the Department of Health during a “re-shuffle” when she was appointed as Prime Minister last year.

In the Conservative leadership contest last year, Mr Dunne initially supported then Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, but switched to Mrs May in the second round after Crabb withdrew from the race.

Telford MP Lucy Allan returned to her constituency after a narrow win against the Labour candidate Kuldip Sahota, with a majority of only 720.

Speaking last year, she supported Mrs May in the Conservative Party leadership contest and said she was the “candidate most able to offer the stability and strong leadership” needed by the UK.