Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve says he is “disappointed” but “not completely surprised” that British voters have chosen to leave the European Union.

The former Attorney General, who has staunchly supported the Remain campaign in the build up to yesterday’s historic vote, said that opinion within his own constituency has been divided.

He said: “I am obviously disappointed that the national result has been to leave, but I am respectful of the result and I am not completely surprised. It has been apparent to me for a long time that there is a serious democratic deficit when it comes to the EU.

“It was also apparent to me that opinion within the constituency was polarised. A substantial number of people were concerned about leaving the EU and the effect it would have on them, equally there have been people who feel very strongly about leaving.”

Mr Grieve says he cannot say for sure where Britain will go from here.

He said: “The truth is, I don’t know where we go from here, there are a lot of risks but I will be the first to be happy if I am proved otherwise and I look forward to that.

“At the end of a campaign, one always feels very tired but it has been a very successful campaign and good things can come out of this.”

He also said it was “inevitable” that David Cameron would resign as Prime Minister, adding: “I don’t think it would have been possible to ask someone to implement a policy that he doesn’t agree with.”