Our Conservative MPs for North Herts and Bedfordshire have reacted to the news that Boris Johnson will be the country’s new Prime Minister.

The Comet: MPs Stephen McPartland, Nadine Dorries, Bim Afolami, Alistair Burt and Sir Oliver Heald. Picture: ArchantMPs Stephen McPartland, Nadine Dorries, Bim Afolami, Alistair Burt and Sir Oliver Heald. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

MPs for Stevenage, North East Herts, Hitchin and Harpenden and North East Beds have spoken about how they feel about the new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

The result - which was announced today - saw Mr Johnson secure 92,153 votes compared to 46,656 for Jeremy Hunt.

MP for Hitchin and Harpenden Bim Afolami said: "I'm delighted that Boris Johnson has been elected as the leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party and as our next Prime Minsiter. "He has a proven track record governing as a one nation Conservative, and with the right team behind him I know he will lead a government that works.

"We now need to come together to deliver Brexit, so we can move the country forward to focus on the critical domestic issues that face us, such as our schools and hospitals. I look forward to supporting Boris in any way that I can."

Mr Afolami had previously backed Matt Hancock in the leadership race, but declared his support for Boris Johnson after Mr Hancock withdrew his candidacy.

Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland, who also backed Mr Johnson said he was "delighted" with the result.

"He brings the energy and vision to break the Brexit deadlock, bring the change that people want, and get the UK back on the road to a brighter future.

"We have a massive opportunity to strengthen our NHS with increased front line spending, raise funding for schools, tackle crime with 20,000 more police officers on the streets, give young people the best chance to get on the housing ladder and ensure our welfare system works for everyone."

North East Bedfordshire MP Alistair Burt said: "I'm glad to welcome Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party and our new Prime Minister.

"I congratulate Jeremy Hunt on his campaign, which I was proud to support, as the contest has been good for politics.

"The new PM has many issues on his agenda, from Brexit to Iran, and I wish him well. He won decisively amongst MPs and party members, so deserves our support now as he tackles these difficulties.

"On Brexit, I expect him to deliver on his promise to do all he can to secure a deal in the UK's interests to leave the EU, and hope he does so.

"He has promised much over the year. Now he has to deliver. I hope he does so."

North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald - who backed Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race - said: "Congratulations to Boris on becoming leader of the country and the Conservative party.

"I supported Jeremy Hunt during the leadership campaign and thought he came up with an interesting and beneficial set of policy ideas.

"Hopefully Boris can adopt some of the Hunt campaign ideas, unite the party and deliver for the country."

The Comet is yet to receive a response from Mid Bedfordshire MP Nadine Dorries.