Referendum: Craig Whittaker MP says '˜Government must now deliver will of the people'

Mr Whittaker supported the remain campaign and speaking before the referendum said he accepted the EU was a “far from perfect institution” but said EU membership provides Britain with numerous benefits and “we will be worse off as a nation if we go it alone.”

Speaking in the wake of the referendum result, which saw 52 per cent of the electorate vote to leave and 48 per cent vote to remain, Mr Whittaker said: “The British people have spoken and the job of the Government is now to get on with delivering the will of the people.”

He added the stock market and sterling present the biggest threat to the country at the moment, but added: “It will be a short term thing. We have a great economy and we will pull through - we have no choice - we have to deal with the situation.

“We can pull things to bits after the event - the reality is that what we got from both sides is what we got.

“Clearly the remain camp did not convince enough people and we now have to respect the will of the Great British public.”

Mr Whittaker refused to be drawn on who he would like to see as the next Prime Minister following David Cameron’s resignation.

He said: “There is a huge amount of talent in the party, but we will have to see who puts themselves forward.”