SOUTH Cumbrian MPs have shared their thoughts on President Trump's time as leader of the United States.

Joe Biden's inauguration marks the start of a new chapter in the UK's "special relationship" with the US following a turbulent and chaotic period under Donald Trump.

Both Theresa May and then Boris Johnson sought to keep close ties with the White House, but President Trump's erratic behaviour made that difficult and occasionally embarrassing.

Ultimately, following the violent scenes at the Capitol, the Prime Minister was forced to denounce a president he had repeatedly praised.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: "There's no getting away from the fact that Mr Trump achieved things that people thought he couldn't - he put fire under the US economy and caught the public's interest at a time when people are tiring of politics.

"But even with that, I can't but feel a sense of relief that he's leaving.

"This is best shown in the time post-election, when his reckless language has brought violence to the Capitol.

The Mail: MP: Simon FellMP: Simon Fell

"I'll be glad to have calm and civility return to public office in the USA."

During the riots at the Capitol on January 6, five people died and dozens were arrested as a result.

The Mail: Riots in US - PARiots in US - PA

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “Donald Trump has been a complete disaster.

“Rather than using his time in the most powerful office in the world to show leadership on the biggest issues of the day such as climate change and coronavirus, he has undermined Western democracy, cosied up to dictators, and insulted his friends and allies, including Britain.

The Mail: THOUGHTS: MP Tim Farron THOUGHTS: MP Tim Farron

“I hope that Joe Biden will be able to reunite his country and show that moral and political leadership that has been so desperately missing over the last four years.”