South Tyneside Tories hail historic EU exit vote

Jeff Milburn chairman of the Jarrow Association Conservative Party believes the borough did the right thing with 62% of residents voting leave in yesterday’s EU referendum.

The former Cleadon and East Boldon councillor, who lost his seat to Labour in last month’s local elections, said: “The right decision has been made by the people of this country and South Tyneside.

“For too long we have been controlled by Europe, but now we have stood up for ourselves and we can take the control back.

“Immigration has been my main concern. It’s good if it’s for the right reasons and I am fine with people coming here, working and contributing to society. But we had too many people behaving like parasites and living off our benefits systems without paying in.”

Mr Milburn also believes the Prim Minister David Cameron was right to resign earlier today.

He said: “It was the least he could do. You can’t speak out like the way he did and then expect everyone to go along with it.

“He was brow-beaten by the country. Thankfully he will be stepping down and we can get someone proper, who will represent the country’s views, in his place.

“I personally would like to see Boris Johnson step into his shoes.”

A grass-roots Conservative chief has backed Britain’s ‘historic’ decision to leave the EU - but is disappointed that Premier has made his own exit.

Eddy Russell, chairman of South Tyneside Conservative Association, is pleased that Britain has freed itself from EU rule, but admits it is still too soon to gauge the ramifications of the momentous vote.

Mr Russell, 79, said; “I voted out myself, that was my own personal view.

“I am not surprised that David Cameron has resigned. He had committed himself fully to the Remain campaign.

“I am not surprised, but I am not pleased. He is basically a good man.”

Mr Russell hopes Britain does not sever vital trading ties with other countries in the continent - despite the historic vote.

He added: “When we joined the European Union a lot of us felt we were joining a trade organisation.

“We didn’t know back then we would be ruled by Foreign parliaments.

“I would hope we can still have links with the rest of Europe.

“It is a historic, big change for us all.

“I am 79 now, but this will really have an effect on people’s children and grandchildren.”

David Cameron has announced he will stand down as Prime Minister by October.

Here we look at some of the potential contenders to replace him:

:: Boris Johnson

The former London mayor is the bookies’ favourite to succeed his Old Etonian school chum at No 10. Mr Johnson previously insisted he had less chance of taking the top job than being “reincarnated as an olive” but his protestations have done little to disguise his leadership ambitions. After leading the Brexiteers to victory his stock among the widely Eurosceptic Conservatives grassroots will be higher than ever. But Tory leadership contests have a funny habit of failing to return the dead cert.

:: Michael Gove

The Justice Secretary has seen his public profile increase over the last few weeks and, bar the occasional sticky moment, he is generally regarded to have had a good campaign. Mr Gove, whose once close friendship with Mr Cameron has come under strain as the rough and tumble of the battle took its toll, has seen his poll ratings shoot up and Ladbrokes gives him 5/1 odds of moving into Downing Street.

:: Theresa May

Hanging on to the Home Secretary brief, which notoriously ruins political careers, for six years shows Mrs May’s durability. Although a Remain supporter, she disappeared off the radar during the campaign, leaving her relatively unscathed. No fan of Mr Cameron, she has been quietly courting the party’s rank and file in readiness for his departure and is placed by the bookies as second to Mr Johnson.

:: George Osborne

The Chancellor’s hopes of moving next door have faded dramatically. An upturn in economic fortunes under his stewardship saw his popularity in the party increase but Mr Osborne is damaged by his inextricable links to the Prime Minister. Backbenchers said his decision to back Remain ensured any leadership bid was dead in the water.

:: Stephen Crabb

The Work and Pensions Secretary is hugely popular in the Conservative parliamentary party and comes from the sort of ordinary background that chimes with many voters. But the sudden contest may come a little too soon for him to make much headway.

:: Ruth Davidson

The Scottish Conservative leader has impressed many with her performance during the campaign and electoral success north of the border last month. But a Westminster seat would need to be found for her to have a viable shot at the top job. Ms Davidson has also suggested such a move is not for her, describing life at No 10 as lonely.