Reactions to Liz Truss becoming PM

Truss will take over from tomorrow

Author: Majid MohammedPublished 5th Sep 2022

Liz Truss has won the Tory leadership contest, defeating Rishi Sunak and will become PM from tomorrow.

Political leaders from around the UK and globally have been sending well wishes.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, congratulated Ms Truss on her win, however he did point out the many challenges the country faces and said only Labour can provide a fresh start.

First Minister of Scotland and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, also congratulated Ms Truss adding that the new PM will need to freeze energy bills for households.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said he will be praying for Liz as she takes on “great responsibilities”.

Sunderland Liberal Democrats on the hand other, wanted to apologise for Liz Truss once being a Liberal Democrat.

Following on from his appearance with Liz Truss on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, comedian Joe Lycett couldn’t contain his excitement at Liz's victory.

World leaders send well wishes

Key allies have sent their congratulates to Liz Truss and pledged to work together constructively.

One of the key challenges facing the new PM is resolving the Northern Ireland Protocol. Truss will work alongside President of the EU Commission Ursula Von Leyen.

In addition, India Prime Minister Modi said he is confident the UK and India will continue to work together.

Liz Truss' political career

Liz Truss Downing Street

Liz Truss has been an MP for South West Norfolk since 2010. She was born in Oxford but her family moved to Paisley and then to Leeds. She was an activist for the Liberal Democrats while studying at Oxford but switched to the Conservatives in 1996.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak

After a number of elimination rounds of voting by Conservative MPs Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak emerged as the two names going through to the ballot of Conservative Party members - Mr Sunak comfortably won the ballot of MPs.

Liz Truss and Brexit

Liz Truss famously reversed her position on Brexit. During the 2016 referendum, she spoke passionately in favour of Remain but became an advocate of the decision to leave the EU saying in 2022 that decision to back remain was "wrong."

Liz Truss Justice Secretary

Among her five cabinet posts, Liz Truss was Justice Secretary 2014-16 and the first woman in 1000 years to become Lord Chancellor. Since September 2021 Ms Truss has been Foreign Secretary in Boris Johnson's government.

Liz Truss hustings

The six week Conservative leadership contest saw Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak appear at hustings events across the UK, with the event in Perth the only visit in Scotland.

Liz Truss Moscow

A fortnight before Vladimir Putin's Russia invaded Ukraine, Liz Truss, as Foreign Secretary, took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall in Moscow.

Liz Truss leader

Liz Truss becomes the third woman to hold the post of Prime Minister following Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May.

Liz Truss Treasury

During the Theresa May era Liz Truss served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury - the number two to Chancellor Philip Hammond.

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