Jamie Stone calls for general election after Liz Truss resigns as PM
Jamie Stone has added his voice to calls for a general election to prevent another Conservative "farce" following the resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Ms Truss announced today that she is standing down following a turbulent 45 days in the post after succeeding Boris Johnson, saying she could not deliver the mandate on which she was elected.
Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said: "The country is sick to the back teeth of this farce and will continue to live in fear of the ruling party staging yet another one. Everyone I speak to is saying the same thing to me – this country demands a general election right now.
“Boris Johnson broke the law, and Liz Truss trashed our economy. The right-wing junta within the Conservative Party have proven time and time again they are not fit to lead our great country.
"It is time for Conservative MPs to do their patriotic duty, put the country first and give the people a say.”
Ms Truss said she had spoken to the King to inform him that she was resigning as leader of her party. She said she would remain as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen.
Labour, the Lib Dems and SNP have all called for an immediate general election.
Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, accused Ms Truss of "staggering incompetence".
Ms Todd said: “In 45 days, Liz Truss has tanked the economy, worsened the cost-of-living crisis and further deepened inequalities.
“My constituents have paid a high price for Truss’s staggering incompetence and it’s incomprehensible to think that within a week we are set to have yet another Prime Minister inflicted on us without a general election, putting the democratic legitimacy of the UK in question.
"The electorate must have the opportunity to go to the polls.
“The disorder engulfing Westminster just further makes the case for independence – Scotland deserves so much better.
"Independence is the only way to keep Scotland safe from the damage of Westminster control and get rid of the Tories for good.”