Boris Johnson – live: Liz Truss launches Tory leadership bid with promise to cut
Thatcher to Johnson: Prime ministerial resignations over the years
Liz Truss has launched her bid to become Conservative Party leader and prime minister – the 10th to do so – with a promise to cut taxes.
The foreign secretary announced her decision to run in the Tory leadership to replace Boris Johnson in an article in The Telegraph.
She wrote: “I will fight the election as a Conservative and govern as a Conservative.”
The senior Cabinet minister, who is widely expected to be a front-runner in the race to become the next PM, said she would reverse a controversial national insurance hike that had been brought in by her leadership rival, former chancellor Rishi Sunak.
She promised to “start cutting taxes from day one” to help with the cost of living crisis that has seen record prices for energy, food, and fuel, amid inflation soaring to 9.1 per cent – its highest rate in 40 years.
In her newspaper article, Ms Truss argued that “it isn’t right to be putting up taxes now” and, that as prime minister, she would take “immediate action” to assist with living costs.
‘Thanks Grant, I think you probably can help me win my seat’
A Labour MP replies to Grant Shapps’ video:
Zoe Tidman11 July 2022 09:52
Starmer in Newcastle
Sir Keir Starmer is up in Newcastle today.
He met Northumbria’s police and crime commissioner and the city council leader this morning, ahead of a speech outlining Labour’s plan to fight the next election:
Sir Keir Starmer walks with Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness (L) and Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp across the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle
(Getty Images)
Zoe Tidman11 July 2022 09:43
Eustice on why he is backing ‘good communicator’ Shapps
George Eustice, the environment secretary, has already said he is backing Grant Shapps for leader.
He explains why to Sky News, saying Mr Shapps has Cabinet experience, is a “very good communicator” and calling him a “good campaigner”.
“He has got all of the strengths and experience we need at this particular time,” the environment sectretary said.
Zoe Tidman11 July 2022 09:36
Shapps releases 13-second campaign clip
And now we’ve got a campaign video from Grant Shapps. It’s pretty different from some of the other lengthier ones – such as Liz Truss’ – at just 13 seconds long.
His pitch is: “I can plan, I can communicate, I can deliver, I can campaign, I can help you win your seat.”
Zoe Tidman11 July 2022 09:27
Key points from Truss campaign clip
Liz Truss has said she is a Tory leadership candidate who can “drive change and get things done”.
She said she would be committed to “core Conservative principles” as prime minister, which she lists as:
- Low taxes
- Firm grip on spending
- Growing economy
- “Giving people the opportunity to…
Read More: Boris Johnson – live: Liz Truss launches Tory leadership bid with promise to cut