CONSERVATIVES from across Oxfordshire have responded to the news that Theresa May is to stand down as prime minister.
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Banbury MP Victoria Prentis praised Mrs May's 'dedication and determination' and thanked her for her 'tireless service to the country'.
Thank you @theresa_may for your tireless service to the country and the @Conservatives over the last three years. I have always respected your dedication and determination during a difficult time. #endofanera #Brexit
— Victoria Prentis MP (@VictoriaPrentis) May 24, 2019
Wantage's Ed Vaizey, who had earlier told the Oxford Mail that Mrs May should resign, retweeted a suggestion that 'if it had to be a Brexiteer', Environment Secretary Michael Gove should be chosen.
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Oxford Conservatives Chairman Daniel Stafford said: "We want to thank the prime minister. She has a been a servant of the party and of the nation...she served with diligence and a firm commitment to public duty and we wish her well for the future.”
Declining to name a preferred replacement, Mr Stafford said the party needed to elect someone who would deal 'decisively' with Brexit and that the local party was also concerned by the cost of living in Oxford, housing, improving opportunity and the 'cycle of poverty'.
He continued: "We want the prospective prime minister to address how they are going to deal decisively with Brexit."
Dismissing the idea of calling a new general election - because it 'wouldn't change the mathemtatics in the House of Commons - he added: "We are looking forward as this is an opportunity now to reset and restart."
Witney's Robert Courts tweeted his thoughts, saying he admired her 'unwavering sense of duty.'
Dignified and moving statement from the PM. Whilst we had our differences on policy, one could not help but admire her hard work, determination and unwavering sense of duty.
— Robert Courts MP (@robertcourts) May 24, 2019
Important now for fresh leadership to deliver Brexit and pursue a bold domestic agenda.
Henley's John Howell is yet to comment on the issue.
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