To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Liz Truss has resigned following ‘crisis talks’ within Number 10.
The Prime Minister had faced calls throughout the day to stand down in the wake of unprecedented political turmoil.
Today’s last-minute speech was only announced with 15 minutes notice, with a lectern hastily placed outside Downing Street a handful of minutes before.
The Tory leader said she had spoken to King Charles and that a leadership election would take place within the next week.
She is set to become the shortest serving Prime Minister in history after she battled an open revolt from Conservatives demanding her departure.
You can read the resignation speech, in full, below:
Liz Truss’s resignation speech: in full
‘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 has been held back 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 chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady.
‘We have agreed there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week.
‘This will ensure we remain on the path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country’s economic stability and national security.
‘I will remain as PM until a successor has been chosen, thank you.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
‘I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party.’