THE MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole has said the next general election will still happen in 2024 and that Liz Truss has “done the right thing” in stepping down.

Michael Tomlinson MP added that on a human level, he feels “very sorry” for the now outgoing PM who stepped down this afternoon as leader of the Conservative party and prime minister.

Speaking with the Daily Echo this afternoon, Mr Tomlinson said: “On a human level, I feel very sorry for Liz. She was chosen a matter of weeks ago and it has all unraveled incredibly quickly. But she has done the right thing. She has listened to Sir Graham Brady.  

“Things are moving very quickly. I also support what she said in Downing Street in terms of resolving this within a matter of a week – something which is absolutely right. 

Read more: Liz Truss resigns as leader of the Conservative Party

“My focus right now is what’s on the good of my constituents and the good of the country, and that’s better if it is moving quickly rather than having a long, drawn-out process.  

“I think the new leader should be somebody who can command a majority of the parliamentary party – that will be vital.” 

“I’m going to have a careful look at the candidates as they emerge. I sincerely hope it is only a small number of colleagues do emerge and that we all rally around one. 

“A general election will happen, but it won’t be straight away. There will definitely be calls for a general election but in my view, it doesn't matter if there’s a change of leadership (whether it be the Labour party or the Conservatives). It will happen in 2024.” 

Liz Truss resigned as the prime minister in a speech outside Downing Street this afternoon. 

It comes after dozens of Tory MPs called for her to step aside after a chaotic day in Parliament yesterday. 

Home Secretary Suella Braverman was sacked yesterday afternoon after accidentally sending an official document from her personal email account, which constitutes a “technical infringement of the rules”, there was allegations of bullying and “manhandling” in the voting lobby and the Tory Chief Whip and Deputy Whip resigned – then un-resigned. 

Announcing her resignation, the Prime Minister said: “I recognise I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. 

“I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. There will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. 

“I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen.”