Liz Truss Resigns: Britain’s Quickest Switchover of Prime Ministers
In a move that feels like a quick exit from a bad movie, Liz Truss announced she’s stepping down as the UK’s prime minister—just six weeks after being elected. The wave of turmoil she sent through the markets and the rift she caused in her own Conservative Party has finally reached its crescendo.
Why the Shake‑Up?
- The economy went on a bumpy ride after her fiscal plans hit the ground on Sept 23, sending the pound and government bonds into a nosedive.
- Truss tried to salvage things by picking former health minister Jeremy Hunt as finance minister, but the fallout was too great. Two senior ministers backed out, leaving her leadership shaky.
- The Chamber’s 1922 Committee, chaired by Sir Graham Brady, called for a quick leadership election to keep the government on track.
What’s Next?
Under the current arrangement, Truss will stay on as caretaker until her successor is chosen. The Conservative Party’s rivals are mostly pointing to either former finance chief Rishi Sunak or third‑place finish‑er Penny Mordaunt as likely candidates.
A Short Record
With her resignation, Truss becomes the ”’shortest‑serving prime minister in Britain’s history”’. The last time someone held the record was George Canning, who served only 119 days in 1827 before passing away.
Words from Truss
Standing outside Downing Street, Truss said, “I can’t deliver the promises I made when I became leader.” She informed King Charles of her resignation and confirmed that she would remain until the new leader emerges.
“We’ll have a leadership election by next week to keep the country’s fiscal plans on track and protect our economic stability and security,” she added. A good concert of leadership, if you ask her.
Keeping the Party Together
Now, the Conservative lawmakers face the dilemma of picking a successor who can restore confidence both inside the party and across the nation. The clock is ticking, and the nation’s next prime minister will be unveiled very soon.
