WARRINGTON has reacted to the news of Rishi Sunak's appointment as the next Prime Minister in a divided way.

That is not a surprise, given that the town has two MPs from two different parties - the Conservatives' Andy Carter in Warrington South, and Labour's Charlotte Nichols in Warrington North.

Mr Sunak was the only candidate left in the Conservative leadership election, and therefore was elected by Tory MPs unopposed at 2pm on Monday, October 24.

He officially became Prime Minister following a meeting with the King on Tuesday, October 25.

Warrington's MPs reacted predictably - with Ms Nichols reiterating Labour's calls for a general election:

Mr Carter, however, congratulated his party's new leader, saying: "Very many congratulations to Rishi Sunak who has taken over as Prime Minister this morning.

"There’s no doubt we have difficult challenges ahead as we navigate the cost of living, war in Ukraine and aftermath of Covid.

"I’m looking forward to working with him, to deliver for families in Warrington South and across the UK."

Mr Carter publicly backed Liz Truss for the leadership of his party in September, before tweeting his support for Mr Sunak on October 25, alongside the hashtag '#Ready4Rishi'.

A number of residents told the Warrington Guardian their views on the new Prime Minister.

Steve Barker said: "If it was a choice between him and [Sir Keir] Starmer it’s a no-brainer!

"Unfortunately for Labour, they don’t have anybody trusted to run the country. It’s like a goon show!"

When asked if she was pleased with Mr Sunak's appointment, Jayne Pheasey replied: "No, he wasn't good enough for the job the first time round."

Warrington Guardian: Andy Carter MP tweeted his support for Mr Sunak, saying he was looking forward to working with the new PMAndy Carter MP tweeted his support for Mr Sunak, saying he was looking forward to working with the new PM (Image: Andy Carter MP)

Susan Edge praised the new PM, saying: "I think this is great news. 

"His talents saved us all (including my parents) when the pandemic hit and their workplaces had to close. I'll never forget that."

Not everyone was as supportive, with Kath Corbett recalling the new PM's past: "He was fined for Partygate as well as Boris [Johnson], so he can't be trusted."

Ray Whitley disagreed with Sunak's new role, adding simply: "Bring back Boris."

Warrington Guardian: Mr Sunak championed the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme in summer 2020Mr Sunak championed the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme in summer 2020 (Image: Rishi Sunak MP)

Andy Blackburn concluded the debate, saying: "He'll run the country like Jeffery Dahmer treated his house guests."