DAVID Mundell has welcomed Theresa May as the new Prime Minister.

The local MP David Mundell says that Mrs May will provide the strong leadership required for the country.

She is set to replace David Cameron on Wednesday evening after her main rival Andrea Leadsom dropped out of the race on Monday afternoon.

Mr Mundell also believes that Mrs May, who has been Home Secretary for the last six years, will be a strong voice for all parts of the United Kingdom.

Commenting, Mr Mundell said: “I am delighted that Theresa has emerged as the candidate the party can unite around and I was proud to support her campaign to be leader.

“As the country negotiates our exit from the European Union, Theresa will provide the strong leadership the country requires as she has a proven track record of dealing with tough issues.

“I also firmly believe that she is a Prime Minister who can unite the whole of our United Kingdom which is more important than ever and command respect as she sets out her vision for taking the country forward.

“She played a key role in ensuring a No vote in the independence referendum in 2014 and I know she will put the interests of all corners of the United Kingdom, including Scotland at the heart of her premiership.

“Andrea Leadsom’s speech when she stepped down from the leadership was dignified and the right one meaning that Theresa May can hit the ground running this week.

“Theresa is a serious and credible politician who I thought was the best candidate from the word go given her experience and I very much welcome her as our new Prime Minister.”