Rt Hon Lizz Truss MP has been announced as the new Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party and Prime Minister. She has made the following statement outside Number 10 Downing Street:
Good afternoon,
I have just accepted Her Majesty The Queen's kind invitation to form a new government.
Let me pay tribute to my predecessor.
Boris Johnson delivered Brexit, the Covid vaccine, and stood up to Russian aggression.
History will see him as a hugely consequential Prime Minister.
I am honoured to take on this responsibility at a vital time for our country.
What makes Britain great is our fundamental belief in freedom, in enterprise, and in fair play.
Our people have shown grit, courage, and determination time and time again.
We now face severe global headwinds caused by Russia’s appalling war in Ukraine and the aftermath of Covid.
Now is the time to tackle the issues that are holding Britain back.
We need to build roads, homes, and broadband faster.
We need more investment and great jobs in every town and city across our country.
We need to reduce the burden on families and help people get on in life.
I know we have what it takes to tackle those challenges.
Of course, it won’t be easy. But we can do it.
We will transform Britain into an aspiration nation with high-paying jobs, safe streets and where everyone everywhere have the opportunities they deserve.
I will take action this day, and action every day, to make it happen.
United with our allies, we will stand up for freedom and democracy around the world - recognising we cannot have security at home without security abroad.
As Prime Minister, I will pursue three early priorities.
Firstly, I will get Britain working again.
I have a bold plan to grow the economy through tax cuts and reform.
I will cut taxes to reward hard work and boost business-led growth and investment.
I will drive reform in my mission to get Britain working, building, and growing.
We will get spades in the ground to make sure people are not facing unaffordable energy bills and we will also make sure that we are building hospitals, schools, roads, and broadband.
Secondly, I will deal hands-on with the energy crisis caused by Putin’s war.
I will take action this week to deal with energy bills and to secure our future energy supply.
Thirdly, I will make sure people can get the doctors’ appointments and NHS services they need. We will put our health service on a firm footing.
By delivering on the economy, energy, and the NHS, we will put our nation on the path to long-term success.
We should not be daunted by the challenges we face.
As strong as the storm may be, I know the British people are stronger.
Our country was built by people who get things done.
We have huge reserves of talent, of energy, and of determination.
I am confident that together we can ride out the storm, we can rebuild our economy, and become the modern, brilliant Britain that I know we can be.
This is our vital mission to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations. I am determined to deliver.
Thank you.
