SUBMITTING a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister Boris Johnson was "an incredibly tough decision" Ilkley's MP has said.

Keighley and Ilkley Conservative MP Robbie Moore said: "I've spent the last few weeks out and about on the doorsteps speaking to people right across the constituency. The rising cost of living is by far the biggest concern people have raised with me, and quite rightly people want our government to deliver on their priorities.

"The events at Downing Street over the lockdown period were unacceptable. As I have said before, I feel incredibly frustrated that this has detracted from the government’s excellent work.

"The reality is such events still continue to erode public trust and faith. I therefore did not support the Prime Minister in the vote of confidence.

"This has been an incredibly tough decision, but with the vote now concluded, I will continue to focus entirely on delivering for Keighley, Ilkley, Silsden, the Worth Valley and our wider area, like building a new Airedale Hospital, protecting our local green spaces and securing more investment to revitalise our community. With over £33.9m already secured, we're making great progress, but there is a still a long way to go.

"We have a lot of challenges in our community and a lot of things which need to get done, and that is where my sole focus lies.”

Shipley Conservative MP Philip Davies, whose constituency includes Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston, said submitting a vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson was "a very difficult decision".

Mr Davies joined Mr Moore among the 148 Conservative MPs who voted to remove the Prime Minister's position in Monday's leadership ballot.

But now, he says, it is time for Government and the British public to accept Mr Johnson "won the vote fair and square". 

In a statement Mr Davies said: "Last night I had a very difficult decision to make and it was not one I took lightly.  

"I voted against the Prime Minister for a number of reasons in the vote of confidence.

"However, the Prime Minister won the vote fair and square and - as a democrat - I fully accept the result of the ballot.

"It is now imperative we focus on pursuing good Conservative policies - like cutting taxes and controlling immigration - which people voted for at the last general election."

The Prime Minister insisted he had secured a “decisive” victory, despite receiving a worse result than former Prime Minister Theresa May.

Mr Johnson is arguing the Government can now “move on” and focus on what “really matters to people”.

He also poured cold water on the prospect of a snap election, saying he was “certainly not interested” in the idea.