A leading Salisbury City councillor has described Rishi Sunak’s appointment as Prime Minister as a “momentous moment for all British Asians around the world”.

Rishi Sunak has made history as Britain’s first non-white leader and is the youngest Prime Minister in modern times.

Sunak’s victory came after Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the Conservative leadership contest last minute.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Atiqul Hoque, representing Salisbury St Edmund's Ward, said: “This is a momentous moment for all British Asian around the UK and around the world. Probably the best Diwali present one can ever wish for.

“Although, I would’ve liked to see a more democratic race with other MPs to let members make the final decision. However, we choose our MPs to represent us so they’ll know best, and for that reason I think they made the correct decision which I fully support.

“Lets us move on and unite for sake of the country at this turbulence time.”

Cllr Hoque hopes to see Salisbury MP John Glen return to a ministerial post that he “so deserves”. He added: “I’m hopeful our MP John Glen’s hard work and loyalty won’t go unnoticed."