The MPs for Weston and North Somerset have welcomed the resignation of Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Weston's John Penrose and North Somerset's Dr Liam Fox had publicly denounced support for the Conservative leader, who could still hold a caretaker role until September.

Mr Penrose resigned as the Prime Minster's anti-corruption tsar last month and called for Johnson to "step aside" in a letter which cited his refusal to address leadership issues mentioned in the Sue Gray report into Partygate.

Last week, Liam Fox called for Mr Johnson to leave his office in the wake of a series of ministerial resignations in protest of Johnson's dishonesty over knowing allegations surrounding Chris Pincher before appointing him as deputy chief whip in February.

More than 50 Government officials handed in resignation letters, prompting Mr Johnson to give up his role as Conservative leader.

Mr Penrose described his reign as having some strengths but 'important weaknesses', while backing Minister of State for Trade Policy, Penny Mordaunt

"I suspect history will say that the Prime Minister had some huge strengths, but some pretty important weaknesses too," the former anti-corruption champion said.

"There are so many candidates that I haven’t had conversations with quite all of them yet.

"I am listening to their plans and ideas, and comparing them to what local people have written to me about recently and the conversations I've had on doorsteps.

"[On backing Penny Mordaunt] Our country is facing some enormous challenges: soaring food and energy prices, a war in Europe, and taking advantage of our new sovereignty to become a global force for good now we've left the EU.

"We need someone who's strong, experienced and who understands there is not a moment to lose.

"Penny Mordaunt has all those qualities, which is why I'm supporting her to become our next Prime Minister."

Meanwhile, North Somerset MP Mr Fox has publicly backed former chancellor Rishi Sunak to become the next Prime Minister.

He tweeted: "Our next Prime Minister must tell the truth to the British people about our economic challenges, and have a credible conservative plan for growth and lower taxes.

"Rishi is the only candidate with the experience, integrity and vision to do this and therefore gets my vote."

During his time at the Treasury, Mr Sunak was responsible for a series of tax rises, some of which his election rivals have pledged to slash.

Dr Fox also stressed that the Government does not slack in its job of running the country as it searches for the next leader.

He said: "As the Conservative Party embarks on the process of selecting a new leader, we must not be distracted from our primary duty of providing good governance for our country at this difficult time in international affairs.

"Boris Johnson has made the right decision to resign. We need to show competence and purpose while a successor is chosen."

There are currently 11 Conservative MPs who have thrown their hat into the ring with 1922 Committee chair, Sir Graham Brady announcing that a new PM could be expected by September 5.