The MPs for The Cotswolds and North Wiltshire have called on the Conservative Party to get behind new Prime Minister Liz Truss, despite backing her rival in the leadership contest. 

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown supported Rishi Sunak's bid, while James Gray also voted for the former chancellor after initially throwing his weight behind Penny Mordaunt. 

But the North Wiltshire MP said he would be offering Liz Truss his 'enthusiastic support' and described her as competent, experienced and balanced. 

He added that the new Prime Minister has 'a very full in-tray' and hoped her priorities would be the energy crisis, inflation and making living affordable for people, and the war in Ukraine

MP for the Cotswolds, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown echoed his concerns about energy prices and said the new Prime Minister faced some of biggest problems since the Second World War. 

"It's absolutely essential that every member of parliament gets behind Lizz Truss. 

"We need to give her support so she can come up with sensible policies to deal with these enormous problems. 

"Divided parties struggle to win elections, we stand a much better chance if we are totally united behind her," he told Greatest Hits Radio Gloucestershire. 

Tony Berry, leader of the Conservative group on Cotswold District Council, did vote for Liz Truss but said it had been a difficult decision.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Cllr Tony BerryCllr Tony Berry (Image: Newsquest file image)

"It was tough, touch and go as to who I should vote for. 

"I was torn all the way through. We have had two very good candidates."

Asked why he supported Liz Truss he added: "I felt that Liz would appeal more to the general populous which is pretty key to the future of the party. 

"She is a true Conservative. 

"It's really key the party get behind her." 

Paul Hodgkinson, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for the Cotswolds said: "This is the fourth Prime Minister in six years. A highly unstable situation. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Cllr Paul HodgkinsonCllr Paul Hodgkinson (Image: Newsquest)

"Sadly the party in Government is showing itself unfit to lead effectively. 

"On the doorsteps in the Cotswolds there’s no enthusiasm for Liz Truss. 

"What we need is a completely new start so that we can focus together on the cost of living crisis, fixing an NHS under terrible strain and cleaning up our polluted environment."