Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Although it was only a matter of time before Liz Truss resigned we are now plunged into even greater uncertainty.
“It is crucial that we now have an orderly and swift transition with a new leader who can return both political and economic stability.
“Our politicians must stop playing games with the lives and livelihoods of our people and businesses at a time when we face rampant inflation, a crisis in the cost of living and doing business and the prospect of a bleak winter ahead.
“They must act in the national interest and get it right this time in choosing a new Prime Minister to deliver a clear long-term vision on how he or she will support businesses, and the communities that rely on them, to thrive.”