Powys MPs were among those to welcome Rishi Sunak at the Conservative Party headquarters in London today as he was named the new Prime Minister.

Both Powys MPs Fay Jones and Craig Willaims greeted Mr Sunak as he met fellow Conservative MPs after his victory in the leadership contest.

Mr Sunak was confirmed as the new Prime Minister of the UK only a few days after the resignation of Liz Truss. Mr Sunak gained enough nominations to run unopposed after rival Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the leadership race earlier this afternoon.

Fay Jones MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, had backed Mr Sunak in the contest, but praised Ms Mordaunt’s reaction as “dignity personified” and hoped “Penny plays a prominent role in Rishi Sunak’s cabinet”.

Ms Jones said: “Rishi is a colleague I deeply respect, he has a constituency like mine and so understands rural areas like no other. 

“I believe Rishi is the Prime Minister who can unite the party.  Now is time for unity as we overcome pressing global issues. He is competent and has a history of delivering.   He has my full support.”

Andrew RT Davies, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives has also welcomed the news and said: “The Parliamentary Conservative Party has clearly shown their belief in Rishi Sunak to lead the Government, commanding the confidence of his colleagues.

County Times: Craig Williams, centre, awaits the arrival of Rishi Sunak. Pic: PA.Craig Williams, centre, awaits the arrival of Rishi Sunak. Pic: PA. (Image: PA: Pic by Aaron Chown)

“As a friend of Wales, Rishi understands the challenges we face, with high energy bills, high inflation, and household budgets being stretched to breaking point. “

First Minister Mark Drakeford congratulated the new Prime Minister and said: "The UK desperately needs a period of stability and cooperation to focus on the many challenges we face. I hope we're able to work constructively together to support people through these difficult times in a way that your predecessors didn't allow."

The other opposition party’s reaction, however, has been scathing -  with the new Prime Minister has come to office without a vote from the public.

READ MORE: Rishi Sunak 'rules out' an early general election

Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “The Conservatives have over the seven years continuously treated the UK like a fiefdom to carry out internal battles, as a consequence the country has suffered time and time again.

“Rishi Sunak showed time and time again in his role as Chancellor that he was out-of-touch with the struggles ordinary people faced whether it’s paying their heating bills or being able to access key public services.

“The public has lost trust in the Conservatives and Sunak does not have a mandate from the people, we need a General Election now to get us out of this perpetual chaos and give the country fresh hope.”

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Plaid Cymru said in a statement on social media: “The antidemocratic nature of the Westminster system has been laid bare for all to see.

“Rishi Sunak has no mandate, no legitimacy. Democracy demands a General Election.”