Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has declared his support for Rishi Sunak in the Conservative leadership contest.
Former Chancellor Mr Sunak is regarded as the front runner of eight candidates vying to become party leader and the next Prime Minister.
Mr Jones said he supported the Richmond MP even though he, along with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, had received a fine for breaching covid regulations.
Mr Jones previously said of Mr Johnson that “lawbreakers can’t be lawbreakers” but he said Mr Sunak’s situation was different:
“For most people that was a surprise as he turned up at Number 10 for a meeting and walked into the Cabinet room as the Prime Minister was being presented with a cake. Once he received the fine he paid it.
“There was no dissembling, no denial and no appeal even though many thought it was harsh. He accepted the ruling. I think people understand the difference between that and the many months of changing claims that preceded the Prime Minister’s fine.”
Writing on his Community News website, Mr Jones added:
“We face challenging times so we need a Prime Minister who is strong and with proven economic ability and business credibility.
“In the field of foreign affairs we need someone already known and respected on the international stage to keep the pressure on Russia to quit Ukraine.
“The country needs someone who is consistent and transparent to reinvigorate trust in politics.
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Mr Sunak’s rivals have pledged tax cuts but he has warned against “comforting fairytales” and promised fiscal prudence instead.
Mr Jones’ comments do not mention tax cuts but address inflation at length.
“The new Prime Minister needs to look at those structural imbalances in our economy that make us susceptible to inflation.
“That means addressing our dependence on fossil fuels and boosting the productivity and capacity of the economy.
“While addressing these long-term structural problems he or she needs to protect those most affected by rapidly rising prices. This may be through the benefits system, through increasing the living wage, through education in how to lower personal and household costs or through a variety of other means.”
Conservative MPs will vote in a secret leadership ballot today. Candidates who fail to get 30 votes will be eliminated. A new leader will be decided on September 5.
Julian Smith, Skipton and Ripon MP, and Nigel Adams, Selby and Ainsty MP, whose constituencies both include parts of the Harrogate district, have yet to publicly say who they support.