United Kingdom: Liz Truss' resignation triggers new government crisis

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss has resigned after just a month and a half in office. The announcement, which was made public on Thursday, Oct. 20, comes as the UK faces one of the biggest economic crises in its history.

"I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability," Truss said in her resignation statement. She also pointed out the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a determining factor in the crisis facing the country. The prime minister had been seriously criticized not only from the rival Labour Party, but also from her own. Faced with this, Truss' only option was to leave office. "Given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party," concluded the politician, who had already communicated her resignation to King Charles III. She posted her full resignation announcement on Twitter:

The Tory politician was the last prime minister to officially meet with Queen Elizabeth II, just two days before the monarch's death. She originally replaced Boris Johnson, who is now being touted as a possible successor to Truss.

Labour Party calls for "immediate elections"

Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, was quick to call for an immediate election. He said that the Tory Party has "shown it no longer has a mandate to govern." He is highly critical of the Conservative party, which he describes as a "revolving door of chaos" and whom he fears will "put the country through yet another experiment." He added: "Britain is not their personal fiefdom to run as they wish." He confirmed that Truss will continue as Prime Minister until a new Conservative candidate is elected, as Truss announced in her resignation.

Truss made this decision together with Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee: "We've agreed that there will be a leadership election, to be completed within the next week. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country's economic stability and national security."

Starmer says it is unfeasible: "The British public deserve a proper say on the country’s future. They must have the chance to compare the Tories’ chaos with Labour’s plans to sort out their mess, grow the economy for working people and rebuild the country for a fairer, greener future. We must have a chance at a fresh start. We need a general election – now."