The former Conservative leader of Fareham Borough Council has called for a general election - joining MP Suella Braverman's criticism of Rishi Sunak's Government.

Sean Woodward slammed the current leadership of the Conservative Party as he walked away from the authority after almost four decades as a councillor. 

Branding the party as "out-of-touch" in a comment article article on ConservativeHome, he said the parliamentary party needs to be "rebuilt". 

His comments come less than a week after the Conservative administration retained control of Fareham Borough Council, becoming the only authority in the south-east to do so. 

Overall the party lost two seats and maintained its majority after a difficult election campaign for the party nationally. 

In the wake of the election results nationally, Fareham MP and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman told the BBC:  “At this rate we will be lucky to have any Conservative MPs at the next election."

READ MORE: Fareham council leader Sean Woodward to be handed freedom of borough

In his piece, Mr Woodward said: "It was heartbreaking to lose esteemed colleagues through no fault of their own.

"This was achieved despite the complete shambles of a national Conservative Party and government.

"I truly believe that we need a general election as soon as possible. That is not because I want to see the inevitable Labour government which I believe will be an utter disaster for this country.  

"It is because we need to see the Conservative Party rebuilt and that rebuild will be in local government as it always is.

"Some people controlling the party nationally and regionally are appalling. From elected placemen to employees pursuing their own vindictive agendas against hardworking Conservatives.

"This has led to an out-of-touch government and a parliamentary party in many ways indistinguishable from the Liberals."

READ MORE: Fareham Borough Council Conservatives retain power in local election

Mr Woodward said he made the decision to step down four years ago in 2022 but with the council having an all-out election this year, he remained leader until last week. 

Speaking of his former administration's achievements, he hailed the "thriving" Solent Airport, the new 6,000-home Welborne project and the £17m Fareham Live venue.

He added: "Looking forward, as there is little point looking backwards, our party needs to change. It needs to become unashamedly Conservative.

"It needs to pursue policies which appeal to our natural supporters and more widely.

"Margaret Thatcher managed it, Boris Johnson managed it.

"We need parliamentary candidates for the general election after this one who, rather than being Liberals, are keen to pursue and sell such policies which can be developed over the next few years.

"We need more MPs with the passion and conviction of our own MP here in Fareham, not the types being imposed on Conservative Associations the length and breadth of Britain.

"I look forward to the day when I can again say with pride that I am proud to be a Conservative rather than a person who has spent many years implementing true Conservative policies in local government which are no longer de rigueur in the national party."