Liz Truss dramatically quit today, admitting defeat following crisis talks with Tory chiefs in Downing Street and with MPs in open insurrection.
The PM resigned after 44 days of disaster in No10. She used a lectern to announce her resignation outside the black doors to seal her fate.
After revealing that she had told the King about her decision, she stated: “I cannot deliver on my mandate …..” I will continue as PM until the appointment of a successor.
Ms. Truss said she would complete the Tory leadership election in the following week, despite insisting that she was not a quitter but a fighter 24 hours ago. Hugh watched as she gave her valedictory address.
Within minutes, Jeremy Hunt was out of office. Penny Mordaunt has started a Twitter account for the ‘grassroots campaign’. Rishi Sunak, Suella Braverman, and others are likely to be running. Boris Johnson is currently on vacation in the Caribbean and could run for shock returns just six weeks after his departure from office.
Sir Graham Brady, chair of Conservative 1922 Committee, told reporters in Westminster that a replacement must be in place before October 28 to allow for Halloween Budget.
Although he suggested that members could be “involved” in that schedule, he refused to provide details.
Following a week of chaos that included a bizarre array of Uturns on mini-Budgets, Home Secretary and Chancellor quitting, confusion as to whether Chief Whip was following her out of the doors, and MPs grappling in Commons voting lobby lobbies,
Ms Truss met with Graham Brady, Tory chair Jake Berry, and deputy PM Therese Copey to discuss the crisis. They also delivered a grim message on the mood at the party.
The call for her departure was supported by a number of former-loyal MPs. Even ministers in the Cabinet who are supportive have acknowledged that this situation is “terminal”.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Transport Secretary) was deployed to help the PM this morning. She would only confirm that Ms Truss is leading the Tories into next year’s election at the moment.
In recent days, Ms Truss was unable to be removed due to lack of agreement on her successor and the proper process.
Nadine Dorries warned that Mr Johnson is the only one who will be accepted in a coronation.
Influential Tories are pushing one idea: MPs would vote for a successor. However, there is a high threshold for nominations in order to be on the ballot.
Candidates could be asked by the 1922 committee to promise to step down if they do not reach pole position after the field has been reduced to two. This would eliminate the need to have a run-off vote from the whole party.
Sources said that the blueprint was given to an extremely senior member of the party.
Yesterday’s madness in Westminster culminated in stories about tears and tantrums inside Parliament. Ms Truss was allegedly involved in an altercation with her enforcers.
Deputy PM Therese Coffey was accused of ‘manhandling’ Tory MPs to vote against a Labour motion that could have killed the government’s plans to resume fracking – something she denies.
Premier tried to force this issue with a declaration that it was a matter for confidence. This would have meant that the government would be defeated. However, a minister made it clear that the vote was not a confidence vote at the close of debate. This triggered fury from Wendy Morton (Chief Whip) and Craig Whittaker (Deputy Chief Whip).
The whips also told the MPs that they had resigned. However, after three hours’ silence and chaotic wrangling behind closed doors Downing Street finally announced that they were still in their post. The 1.33am announcement made it clear that this was a confidence vote and warned that the 30 abstained MPs would be disciplined.
However, this morning Ms Trevelyan added that there had been no confidence vote.
Five days ago, the PM was beaten by Suella Braverman, her Home Secretary. She admitted that she used her email address to protest against the government’s immigration policy. However, Ms Truss also attacked her for abandoning important policies and suggested she quit because of’mistakes.
Grants Shapps was a Rishi-Sunak backer and was appointed by the PM. She was speaking to media on Monday that her government wasn’t sustainable.
The end of Ms Trus’ time at power was a shivering one
- Keir starmer, a TUC member in Brighton, has demanded an urgent general election.
- Sir Lindsay Hoyle is the Commons Speaker and has begun an investigation into claims of bullying in the voting process.
- In response to political chaos, the Pound dropped to $1.119 against US dollars, which is its lowest level in a week.
Only 44 days had passed in No10 and the PM was ready to leave.
Hugh was watching Ms Truss’s emotional speech in Downing Street, today.
The PM and her husband then returned to the building in dissolute silence, where they settled down a little more than a month later.
Sir Graham Brady, Chair of the 1922 Committee is speaking today to the Prime Minister.
Penny Mordaunt appears to already have a Twitter account for her leadership campaign.
Gary Streeter (Tory backbencher) said that he thinks Ms. Truss needs to go. However, he warned that anyone who is not a ‘Angel Gabriel,’ or a ‘discipline, mutual understanding, and teamwork-oriented’ leader of the party will have trouble leading it.
Sheryl Murray of the Conservative Party said, “I had high hopes about Liz Truss. But after what happened last evening her position became untenable. I submitted a Letter to Sir Graham Brady.”
Matthew Offord of Hendon, a Hendon MP told the Evening Standard that Ms Truss must make a dignified exit. I don’t think the current situation is sustainable. She should discuss the matter with her Cabinet as well as with other people to find a way to make a dignified exit.
Times Radio spoke with Henry Smith, Crawley MP and said the Conservatives “cannot delay” getting rid the premier.
Labour was shocked when Tory Jill Mortimer won the Hartlepool By-Electoral just last year. She shared an image on Facebook of her letter to no confidence.
She said, “Yesterday I tried to call PMQs in order to ask Liz Truss for assurances of support for our community and our promises.
“Sadly, Sir Graham Brady was not called. The deteriorating conditions throughout the day forced me to write a letter in no confidence to the Prime Minister.
Simon Hoare, Senior Member of Parliament, said to BBC Radio 4’s Today: “I believe in half the glass.” Is it possible to turn the tide? Yes. It takes me 12 hours.
I believe that today and tomorrow are crucial days. I have never known – OK, I’ve only been an MP for seven years – but a growing sense of pessimism in all wings of the Tory party.’
Charles Walker, a veteran Conservative MP said in a tirade during an interview that was retweeted and shared by his colleagues: “I believe it’s both a disaster and a shame. It is absolutely appalling. I am livid.’
Conservative MPs felt confident last night that 50 to 100 letters had been sent to Sir Graham. However, current rules stipulate that Liz Truss can only be given a confidence vote within one year of her appointment.
Another hit for PM William Wragg of Tory confirmed to the House of Commons he had submitted a letter. At least 14 Tory MPs have now stated that Ms Truss cannot continue.
Recent polling indicates that Ms. Truss is receiving lower approval ratings than either Boris Johnson nor Jeremy Corbyn during their leadership of their parties.
Yesterday morning, the government announced that banning fracking in the UK was a matter of confidence. All Conservative MPs were required to vote against it. However, there was a commotion after Graham Stuart, Climate Minister told the Commons at the end that it wasn’t a confidence motion.
Craig Whittaker (Deputy chief whip) had sent a letter to Conservatives informing them that it’s a 100% hard whip with 3 lines!
He stated that ‘under no circumstances can we let the Labour Party control the order paper and pass their legislation as well as any other pieces of legislation they wish’.
“We vote NO” and I repeat, it is a 3 line whip that has all of its slips removed.
This was withdrawn at the last minute by Chief Whip Wendy Morton, who stormed out of the Chamber before declaring publicly that he wasn’t the Chief Whip while standing only a metre from the PM.
While Tory MPs were originally telling reporters that both the Chief Whip and her Deputy, Craig Whittaker, had quit their roles and handed in resignation letters, confusion soon intensified after it was reported Liz Truss followed Ms Morton and pulled her into an intense meeting to prevent her quitting.
Mr Whittaker reportedly declared as he walked out of the division lobby: ‘I am f***ing furious and I don’t give a f*** any more.’
After several hours, nobody from government was able to verify or disprove the allegations that both top whips had resigned. Jacob Rees Mogg (Business Minister) said that it was unclear what the “situation” was with the whips when he was asked.
At 9 p.m., Ms. Coffey told reporters that Ms. Morton had achieved a ‘great win’ in defeating Labour’s motion.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was seen in Whitehall deep in conversation using his smartphone today
Jake Berry and Therese Berry, Tory chair Jake Berry were also seen in the building. It has fueled speculation that the crisis may be at an all-time high.
Today, Chief Whip Wendy Morton was seen with Tory chair Jake Berry going into and out of Downing Street. However that isn’t unusual.
Nadine Dorries said Boris Johnson is the only one who can return to power in a coronation. Rishi or Penny Mordaunt should take the reins, according to other MPs.
At 9.49pm, No10 stated that both were still in post.
The Carlton Club bash was initially scheduled to be black tie. However, it was changed to keep the Cabinet from looking too decadent when huge inflation numbers were revealed.
Source: “If only this was our biggest problem.”
The scenes at Westminster were spectacular as Tory MPs became agitated after the apparent change in the confidence vote.
Numerous MPs have claimed they saw screaming and shouting between Conservative MPs and high ranking ministers. The whip’s top officials were absent.
The scenes that were almost unimaginable in the Division Lobbies were captured by Chris Bryant (Labour MP) in disobedience to Commons rules. They are the latest evidence Ms Truss is losing control of her administration.
Labour had submitted a motion to ban new drilling. Tory whips said it was a “confidence motion” that could theoretically bring down Ms Truss. They threatened to remove rebels from their party if they refused to vote for the Government.
Although no Tories voted for the government, forty abstained. Kwasi Kwarteng was still chancellor at that time. The Commons Records show that Ms Truss abstained. However, there is now evidence to suggest she did vote with government.
Jacob Rees Mogg is the Business Secretary. He said, “Late in that day, a junior official of 10 Downing Street relayed to the front bench that this wasn’t a vote for confidence. No one else was aware.”
The whips did not know about it, and I didn’t either. Many members assumed that the vote was a vote for confidence. It was just an unfortunate mistake that can sometimes happen.
Labour MPs were reported shouting and screaming, and Tory MPs were dragged into the voting booth with the government.
Chris Bryant, a former minister, said in the chamber that he had requested an earlier investigation of the scene outside the lobby.
Suella Braverman, who quit yesterday as Home Secretary amid allegations that she had a disagreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over immigration last night, returned to school this morning.
In defiance of Commons rules, Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Chris Bryant captured the scenes in division lobbies. These were just a few of the many evidences that Liz Truss’s government is in serious trouble.
‘As members know, they are required to vote in confidence and without fear. A House-wide behaviour code states that harassment or bullying will not be tolerated.
“I witnessed members being physically pushed into another lobby, and then being bullied. We must also stop the bullying of staff members in this House if we are to be brave against it.
Sky later on, he accused Mr Rees Mogg and Deputy PM Therese Cooper of manipulating MP Alex Stafford into entering the voting lobby. He described it as a heated exchange.
However, Stafford commented later on Twitter that “no one pushes me about” in denial of Labour’s version of events.
Yet, opposition MPs were quick to share their personal eyewitness accounts through social media. This supported the accusations of government whips shouting, Therese Coley picking up another MP and walking them through the No lobby. Multiple MPs even wept.
Anna McMorrin (shadow minister) tweeted that she had seen a politician ‘in tears’ in the lobby.
An Tory MP, who was present at the height of chaos, said that Craig Whittaker appeared crying saying he was sick of everything. Wendy appeared stony-faced. All the whips said they had quit. It was total carnage.
Ms Truss eventually won the vote by 326 to 230 but among the chaos Chief Whip Wendy Morton also abstained.
MailOnline was told by a miserable Cabinet source that he would be the PM at Christmas if he continued to go this way.
“The signs were there for Wendy from the moment she arrived at her appointment.”
Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said he was ‘not entirely clear what the situation is with the chief whip’.
Conservative MP Sir Charles Walker, MP for Broxbourne since 2005, told the BBC: ‘This whole affair is inexcusable. It’s a shameful reflection on Conservative Party.
Walker responded to a question about whether the government can go back.
Ms. Braverman stated in a letter that she would be resigning because of the way she sent an email from her private account to inform about a future ministerial declaration on immigration.
Ms Truss wrote a brief reply, saying that she believes it’s important to uphold the Ministerial Code.
Grant Shapps, one of the leading critics of PMLN, has been appointed the new Home Secretary
He said, “This is an absolute shame.”
“It’s an absolute disgrace and a mess. It’s absolutely unacceptable. I am livid.
“I wish all the people who placed Liz Truss into No.10 that it was worthwhile. […]They have caused extraordinary damage to our party.
“I have had enough.” It’s not in my national interest to have talentless people put their thumb in the box. But it is in their own personal interests.
He added, “I expect the prime Minister to resign very quickly because she isn’t up to her job.”
Hours earlier Home Secretary Suella Braverman was forced to resign yesterday, ostensibly for breaching protocol by sending an email from her personal account to a contact revealing details of an announcement on immigration policy.
Downing Street stated that Mrs Braverman was the most recent Home Secretary and had quit after she sent a secret document to a Tory MP, in violation of the ministerial codes.
Multiple sources claim that her departure was the result of a 90-minute meeting with Miss Truss at No 10, where she warned her about the absurdity of easing immigration regulations to increase economic growth.
Yesterday night Mrs Braverman, in a frenzied resignation letter, suggested to the PM that she quit.
She wrote, “It’s obvious that we’re going through a turbulent time,”
I have serious concerns regarding the Government’s leadership. We not only broke key promises that we made, I also have serious concerns regarding this government’s willingness to fulfill manifesto pledges like reducing overall immigration.
She said that people make mistakes when they are making mistakes – which Ms Truss admitted she did – it was best to quit.
Ms Truss responded with a much briefer letter saying it is ‘important the Ministerial Code is upheld’ and quickly installed Grant Shapps – previously a strident critic and Rishi Sunak supporter – as a replacement.
This Monday, Mr Shapps made it clear that Ms Truss would have to “thread the eye with the lights out” if she wanted to save her premiership.
In Ms Truss’s quest for growth, Ms Braverman was forced to agree to a plan to openly allow migration to increase the economy. According to speculation, the ex-minister sent a message to a staffer in parliament with information about the proposed policy.
MailOnline heard from a Tory MP who was close to Ms Braverman that the breach had occurred: ‘It is the type of thing you just give up on and go on, unless you really want to do something.
Ms. Braverman, the MP stated that she was not happy with her party’s stance on immigration. She also warned of more resignations. “I have the feeling that we will get an avalanche.”
While Mr Shapps offered no comfort to Ms Truss, he said outside the Home Office late Thursday evening. He reiterated his obligation to protect the country. It’s been a difficult time for the government. It is important for citizens to feel secure.
Yesterday’s MPs described the Cabinet’s role as a “caretaker” government. Many do not believe Ms. Truss will survive to the Halloween Budget, regardless of the divisions about who should be in charge.
After another difficult PMQs, during which she stunned the house by performing yet another u-turn in announcing she was committed to the pensions triple lock, Ms Truss abruptly cancelled a visit to an aerospace firm earlier without giving a reason beyond ‘government business’.
Her current situation is that she faces Tory mutiny over a wide range of topics.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt addressed the Conservative 1922 committee last night, and is said to have quipped, ‘this sh** would be interesting if I wasn’t in the middle of it’ – a quote from Barack Obama.
Steve Baker, Northern Ireland Secretary, was sent on TV to assure Ms Braverman that she wasn’t attacking the premier. If it weren’t for security concerns, he would still be Home Secretary.
He stated that he was hopeful she would return to government during the New Year.
Since taking the Home Office over, Ms Braverman was repeatedly embroiled into controversy.
The Tory conference saw her complain about the continued 45p tax rate. She also stated she wants Britain to abandon the European Convention on Human Rights. Her suggestion that visa rules for Indian citizens should be kept in place is also a sign of her disapproval about a possible trade agreement.
Earlier this week she attacked the ‘tofu-eating wokerati’ for effectively preventing police from arresting eco-zealots who have caused mayhem and misery during weeks of protest.
According to the press secretary of PM, Ms Braverman was able to ‘have a way with words’.
A clearly upset Ms Truss confessed that she regretted making mistakes and apologized to the Commons rank-and file of Tory Tory members during yesterday’s PMQs.
But despite Keir Starmer joking that she will be ‘out by Christmas’ after her ‘fantasy economics ended in disaster’, Ms Truss insisted she will not resign.
“I am not a quitter but a fighter,” she declared, echoing the famous Labour line by Peter Mandelson.
The clashes came as inflation surged back into double-digits with food prices heaping more pain on hard-pressed Britons.
The government had been hinting that pensioners faced real-terms cuts as part of a desperate £40billion spending squeeze – but Ms Truss tried to kill off the issue by declaring she will stick to the triple lock. Jeremy Hunt sat next to her, watching from the other side, said that she was fully committed and so was the Chancellor.
She omitted to make the same pledge on rising benefits, an area in which Tories have threatened revolt.
Steve Double warned she could only have ‘days’ left as he called her position ‘untenable’, while William Wragg said he had sent a letter of no-confidence to the 1922 committee chief Graham Brady.
According to Sir Graham, the premier was informed by Sir Graham that over 50 Tories had privately written him no confidence letters.
Ms Truss stated to MPs that she was very clear with them that she is sorry for her mistakes and has made amends.
She said, amid chants of “resign”,: “The right thing in such circumstances is to make the changes that I made and then to continue with my job to deliver the goods for the British people.”
Sajid Javid was slated to be the former cabinet minister, but he apparently pulled out last-minute. Reports indicated that Jason Stein, Ms Truss’s top aide, was suspended as a precautionary measure for the briefing. There was a vicious barb at Mr Javid over the weekend claiming he was not offered the Chancellor job because the PM regarded him as ‘sh**’.
According to the PM’s Press Secretary, this afternoon the PM stated that while I am not going into specific staffing issues but that the Prime Minister had made it clear to her team in the past that certain briefings we’ve seen were unacceptable and must be stopped.
Westminster is facing a crisis because of its cost-of-living crisis. Ms Truss fights desperately to keep her job after she was forced to dismiss Kwasi Kwarteng as an ally and to scrap the terrible mini-Budget, which created havoc on the markets. This happened before all the chaos that has been going on last night.
PMQs was only Ms Truss’s third since entering No10 and came just a week after she insisted there would ‘absolutely not’ be spending cuts. Hunt, who is often referred to as the “de facto PM”, now insists that spending cuts are ‘eye-watering.