Following a long and hard-fought campaign, I offer my congratulations to our new Party Leader and Prime Minister, Liz Truss!

Both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak were impressive candidates, both of whom have enormous talent and grit.

And even though I publicly backed Rishi, I now pledge my full loyalty to Liz Truss.

It’s vital that our whole Party unites behind our new Prime Minister for the sake of the country.

The current back drop of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine and the resulting energy and cost-of-living crisis crippling families and businesses alike requires further urgent action from the Government.

The crisis that our communities face follows off the back of the horrendous Covid pandemic and presents a perfect storm of challenges. Families and businesses need urgent support in measures on a scale, if not more, that were called on throughout the pandemic.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Liz Truss has pledged “immediate action” on energy bills, such as offering immediate financial support for households and businesses and other measures to put money back into people’s pockets.

These pledges are welcome and delivering on them at lightening speed will be crucial.

The new PM has the unenviable task of not only responding to all aspects of the cost of living crisis, but needs also to reign in inflation, continue to level up, protect jobs and stimulate growth whilst ensuring the United Kingdom continues to play its part in supporting Ukraine against Putin.

In regard to the latter Liz Truss’ record speaks for itself, where she co-ordinated the global response to Russia’s invasion and ensured that the UK is the largest bilateral humanitarian donor.

I’m confident Liz Truss’ priorities will deliver for Wales, but we need the Welsh Government to step up to the plate also putting petty politics aside and working with the new Prime Minister, and the other devolved nations to support our people and businesses though this most difficult of times.