Liz Truss has resigned as UK Prime Minister after just 44 days in the top job.
Ms Truss was sworn in as prime minister on September 6 by Queen Elizabeth II. She has now become the shortest-serving prime minister in Britain’s history. Previously, this record was held by George Canning, who served for 119 days in 1827.
She explained that she tried to deliver on the “vision for a low-tax high-growth economy” but was unable to continue her role following pressure from members of her party.
A leadership election will be held in the next week to find Truss’ replacement but until then she will remain Prime Minister.
Speaking in front of Number 10 Downing Street, Ms Truss accepted that she was unable to deliver her promises as leader of the Conservatives Party.
Opposition Leader Keir Starmer said the Tory “soap opera” was damaging the country’s economy and the issue needed to be sorted.
“We can’t have a revolving door of chaos,” he told the BBC.
“We can’t have another experiment at the top of the Tory party.
“There is an alternative and that’s a stable Labour government and the public are entitled to have their say, and that’s why there should be a general election.”
Liz Truss’ Full Speech
“I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability,” she said.
“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.”
Image: Getty Images
This article first appeared on OverSixty.