In just over a fortnight our country will have a new Prime Minister. Whether it is Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss standing outside No 10 on September 5, they will face a difficult and sizeable in-tray.

This includes:

► Inflation and the cost of living

Rising energy and commodity prices, driven in large part by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have caused inflationary pressures around the world. Inflation in the United States and Eurozone for example has been broadly similar to levels we have experienced here in the UK. With both Conservative leadership candidates pledging to make tax cuts, it is vital that neither cuts too fast or too soon, or this will fuel inflation and lead to higher interest rates, making millions worse off. Timing is key - the fact Rishi understands this is another reason I am backing him.

► The war in Ukraine

Boris Johnson’s record on Ukraine has been particularly strong. The UK was the first country to provide weapons and equipment, we have been at the forefront of international sanctions and the humanitarian response, and Boris got the toughest call of all right by resisting calls after the invasion to put British troops on the ground.

Our new PM must hold firm and continue to put the heaviest possible economic and diplomatic pressure on Putin to change course.

This is not without consequence – our tough stance has affected our own economy too – but it is a price worth paying to support Ukraine and to protect peace elsewhere in Europe.

► The Northern Ireland Protocol

Northern Ireland is a valued and important part of the United Kingdom, but businesses are being hampered by post-Brexit rules that treat all goods going from Great Britain to Northern Ireland as if they are destined for another country when the majority aren’t.

This is unsustainable, damaging for the union, and risks undermining the progress made since the Good Friday Agreement. The UK Government has proposed a sensible solution that includes a ‘green-lane’ for the 85 per cent of goods that will stay in Northern Ireland (freed from unnecessary paperwork, checks and duties) and a ‘red-lane’ for goods that will go through to the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the EU (subject to full checks and controls, thereby protecting the EU single-market).

The new PM will need to persuade the EU that a new deal along these lines is the best solution.

► Tackling the NHS backlog

During the pandemic, NHS waiting lists increased as non-urgent operations and treatments were postponed. Progress is being made – average wait times increased from 7.5 weeks (pre-pandemic) to 19.6 weeks (at the peak of the pandemic) and have now fallen back to 12.7 weeks.  But more action is needed and the NHS will be under severe pressure again this winter.

Throughout the Conservative leadership contest Rishi Sunak has been vocal about these issues – one of the many reasons I am supporting him.

For more, visit www.melstridemp.com/ready4rishi