Liz Truss Resigns As UK Prime Minister

 

Liz Truss has resigned as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

She was only 45 days in office. This makes her the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the UK.

In an announcement today (Thursday, October 20, 2022) outside 10 Downing Street, London, the official residence and office of British premiers, Ms. Truss told the British people that although she was stepping down from office, she would, however, “remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen”

Her resignation today brings to a climax the serious crisis that had dogged her political authority leading to loss of confidence of most Members of Parliament of her own party and devastating crash in the country's stock market with tremendous pressure on the UK economy.

Two key ministers in her government have also resigned.

Full text of her resignation speech read today, Thursday, October 20, 2022

I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability.

Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills.

Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent.

And our country had been held back for too long by low economic growth.

I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this.

We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance.

And we set out a vision for a low tax, high growth economy – that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit.

I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party.

I have therefore spoken to His Majesty The King to notify him that I am resigning as Leader of the Conservative Party.

This morning I met the Chair of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady.

We have agreed there will be a leadership election to be completed in the next week.

This will ensure we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country’s economic stability and national security.

I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen.

Thank you .