MPs from across Suffolk and north Essex have welcomed the news Theresa May is preparing to move into 10 Downing Street following the withdrawal of Andrea Leadsom from the Tory leadership race.

Most of our MPs had backed Mrs May – and their overwhelming reaction was relief that her arrival as prime minister should bring stability to the economy.

They were clear this was the central issue they were concerned about as they looked at what her premiership should mean for this region.

South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge supported her as soon as Mr Cameron announced he would be standing down in the wake of his defeat in the EU Referendum.

He said: “I am incredibly pleased at today’s [Monday’s] news. I am pleased and relieved that we have a prime minister who will be able to stabilise the economy and prepare to negotiate the best deal for us to leave the EU.

“The news that she will take over has led to rises for the pound and the stock market. So as far as Suffolk is concerned that stability is vital, as it is for the rest of the country.

“In that sense the interest of the region and the interest of the nation is interchangeable. A stable economy is as vital for Suffolk as it is for the rest of the country.” Mr Cartlidge said Mrs May had shown her ability as one of the longest-serving home secretaries: “She has been extremely effective in that role – when you look at how she handled Hillsborough that showed how effective she is.”

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Dr Dan Poulter had supported Mrs Leadsom: “Whilst I am disappointed to learn that Andrea Leadsom has chosen to withdraw from the leadership contest, and as a result party members will not have a say on the next leader, given the big challenges our country faces, it is now time to unite behind Theresa May as our new prime minister.”

Dr Poulter felt the outlook for Suffolk was positive: “With our growing specialist technologies, such as telecommunications, the energy sector and life sciences, our booming food and drink industry, world-renowned agricultural sector and tourism offering, I would like to see our next prime minister deliver stability for Suffolk’s economy.

“Suffolk is vital in not only supporting and contributing to the UK’s wider economy, but we are already leading the way in many areas and remain perfectly placed to grow and prosper due to our excellent geographical links and educational offering.

“Here in Suffolk we already have an excellent track record of working collaboratively, innovatively and inclusively and I strongly believe that we have the resilience and expertise to rise to this new challenge.”

Suffolk Coastal MP Dr Therese Coffey, who had supported the home secretary, said she hoped Mrs May’s arrival would improve stability – in particular for large projects like Sizewell C that could be built in her constituency. She said: “We will see what [Sizewell C developer] EDF do next, but carbon-free energy, including nuclear, is very important to us and that needs stability to attract investors.”

Her views were echoed by Ipswich MP Ben Gummer, another supporter of Mrs May, who said that what businesses and people in his constituency needed was the stability she would be able to bring.

He said: “I could not be more delighted. After many delight-free weeks we will soon have a fantastic bold, reforming and moderate new Prime Minister.”

Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill added: “Infrastructure is an important issue for a rural county like Suffolk and I will be keen to see the government deliver on railway, road and broadband, which underpin our businesses.

“Theresa has asked for bold ideas and wants to have an open-door approach.”

Colchester MP Will Quince said: “I will be pushing for what I have been pushing for in the last year, and that is the A120, A12 and the Great Eastern mainline.

“In terms of infrastructure, they will be the main focus for me. I sit on the transport select committee so I recognise the importance of transport infrastructure driving economic growth.

“Theresa has always been very supportive. She knows Colchester very well. I think she has been here two or three times to support me.

Mr Quince added: “On a personal level, I am chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Baby Loss, so I will be pushing very heavily on the government to keep up its commitment on halving the stillbirth rate and to continue invest in hospitals in the right equipment.

Braintree MP James Cleverly said: “I am going to stick for things that I have been pushing for up until this point, and that is infrastructure – road, rail and digital.

“The other thing I would really like to see now that we have voted for Brexit is to use those additional freedoms that we will have from all that EU bureaucracy to help unlock particularly small and medium-sized businesses.

“The priority has got to be the A120. It has dragged on for such a long time. We have worked so hard, and now is the time to get it resolved to get businesses flowing.

“In the time that I have known her [Theresa], I have found her very open to ideas and conversation and I think that is a habit she will take into Number 10. I think that is good news for us.

“The current prime minister has been good at listening and I think Theresa May will continue and perhaps even enhance that.”