The divided Tories won’t find it easy choosing a new PM
In a statement lasting less than five minutes, on the steps of Downing Street, where 44 days ago she pledged to “deliver, deliver, deliver”, Liz Truss just announced her resignation.
She says the leadership election to replace her will be completed within a week.
MPs certainly want a quick resolution to the chaos, not another drawn out race, but there is no clear consensus on a unity candidate to replace her.
Sunak favourite to be new PM but big hitter rules himself out – politics latest
Among the names MPs have mentioned today are Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak, Suella Braverman, Ben Wallace and Grant Shapps.
Jeremy Hunt, who has been seen by some MPs as a kingmaker who could decide the next PM, has also ruled himself out.
What’s clear is that MPs appear to be becoming even more entrenched in their leadership camps and who they back. Finding consensus won’t be easy.
Liz Truss said she came into office at a time of great “international instability”, but hers is a premiership that will be characterised by infighting and chaotic U-turns.
She will likely now be remembered as the shortest-serving prime minister in British history, overtaking George Canning who died in office after 119 days.
If the Tories can’t resolve this quickly, and smoothly, the calls for a general election could become deafening.
