‘The country deserved much better,’ says Lib Dem Councillor Alan Connett, Leader of Teignbridge Council.

Cllr Connett said: ‘Boris has resigned but not gone.

‘He is entirely the author of his own misfortune. The country deserved much better and had every right to expect better.

‘In my view, Mr Johnson should have resigned as Prime Minister today – not simply as Leader of the Conservatives.

‘He is clinging on to Downing Street out of self-interest, not the national interest.

‘We need absolute focus on the cost of living crisis which is hurting everyone, interest rates are rising, inflation is now out of control and the Government is just rudderless and drifting.

‘Here in Devon we have been short-changed by Government too. Just look at the £80m shortfall there is at County Hall for services for children with special educational needs.

‘We need a Prime Minister determined to fix our country and not one distracted by the lies they have told, the shoddy behaviour they have allowed, and the legacy of drinks parties in Downing Street.’