Liz Truss has been named the new leader of the Conservative Party and will become the United Kingdom’s third female prime minister. Truss, who previously served as Foreign Secretary, succeeds Boris Johnson following a leadership contest that culminated in a decisive victory over her rival, former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak. She secured 57% of the vote from approximately 170,000 Conservative Party members, against Sunak’s 43%.
Upon her victory, Truss addressed a gathering in central London, stating: “I campaigned as a Conservative, and I will govern as a Conservative.” She also vowed to take bold actions to tackle the nation’s pressing economic challenges, including inflation and soaring energy costs.
Table of Contents
Leadership Transition and Formal Appointment
Truss will formally take office after Boris Johnson tenders his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle, marking a historic moment as it will be the first time in her 70-year reign that the Queen will appoint a new prime minister outside London due to her mobility concerns.
Following the official transition, Truss will return to Downing Street to address the nation, though inclement weather might force the traditional doorstep speech indoors.
Key Challenges Facing the New Prime Minister
Truss inherits an array of formidable challenges:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost of Living Crisis | Energy bills set to rise by 80% from October. |
| Economic Slowdown | High inflation and risk of recession. |
| Public Confidence | 52% of Britons in a YouGov poll doubt her leadership. |
| Political Landscape | Labour Party gaining momentum in the polls. |
As inflation reaches a 40-year high, Truss is reportedly considering freezing energy bills, a move that could cost the government billions. The Times and The Daily Telegraph suggest the government may compensate suppliers to ease household burdens.
Public and Political Reaction
Boris Johnson expressed confidence in his successor, stating: “I know she has the right plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, unite our party, and continue the great work of uniting and levelling up our country.” He urged Conservative MPs and party members to support her fully.
However, opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the Conservative Party’s governance, tweeting: “After 12 years of Tory rule, we have low wages, high prices, and a cost-of-living crisis. Only Labour can deliver the fresh start our country needs.”
Public opinion remains divided, with a recent YouGov survey showing that 43% of respondents do not trust Truss to handle the economic crisis, and many calling for an early general election.
From Liberal Democrat to Conservative Leader
Truss’s political journey has been notable for its ideological shifts. She began her career as a member of the centrist Liberal Democrats before switching allegiance to the Conservative Party. During the 2016 referendum, she campaigned for the UK to remain in the European Union but later became a staunch advocate of Brexit.
Truss has often drawn comparisons to Margaret Thatcher due to her assertive political style, particularly after widely publicised photos of her posing in a tank and wearing a fur hat in Moscow.
What Lies Ahead
The coming days will be crucial for Truss as she unveils her policy roadmap. The Conservative Party’s next major challenge will be the 2024 general election, where Truss will need to consolidate her leadership and rally public support amid growing economic uncertainties.
As storm clouds gather both politically and literally—with thundery downpours forecast for her first day in office—Truss faces one of the most daunting prime ministerial in-trays in modern British history.