Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Colum Eastwood MP has branded the coronation of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister a farce.

Mr Eastwood said Mr Sunak had no mandate to serve as Prime Minister and urged him to call a General Election.

He said that only a Labour-led Government could repair the damage caused by the Tories.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said:

“It is completely illegitimate and an affront to democracy for the Tories to elevate Rishi Sunak to the position of Prime Minister with no mandate whatsoever. Mr Sunak’s predecessors have completely destroyed the public’s confidence in politics and public service and wrecked the economy and he should not be allowed another two years to desperately attempt to clean up their mess.

“The circus that has surrounded British politics has to end and the only way to do that is through a General Election and the establishment of a Labour-led Government. People in the North and Britain are facing extreme pressure as a result of the cost of living emergency, made even worse by the incomprehensible budget that ended Liz Truss’ tenure.

“Families need support to get through the difficult months ahead, the economy needs stabilised, we need proper support put in place to help people pay their bills and heat their homes and leadership to engage in constructive negotiations with the EU to resolve outstanding Protocol issues. People have been clear they are sick of the Tories and want a Labour-led Government, it’s time for the adults to take over.”