Macron weighs in on Truss resignation and calls for stability in UK

Liz Truss announces her resignation as Prime Minister

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Speaking upon arrival at the European Council Summit in Brussels, French President Emmanuel Macron said he hoped the UK finds stability “as soon as possible”. “We want, above all else, stability,” he said.

Reacting to the news Prime Minister Liz Truss had just resigned in a statement from Downing Street, Mr Macron said that “on a personal level, I am always sad to see a colleague go”.

Pressed again on the issue, the French leader reiterated: “I will not comment on internal politics, but I had very good meetings and exchanges with Truss.

“France wants the stability of the UK, specially in a war context that is so difficult. It is vital that the UK finds stability. Personally, I think it’s sad to see a colleague leave.”

Refusing to comment on Ms Truss’ resignation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Today is the European Council Summit, so I will only comment on that.” 

Liz Truss has announced her resignation after a chaotic 44 days in office during which she lost the confidence of Tory MPs and the public and oversaw economic turbulence.

She is set to become the shortest-serving Prime Minister in history after she battled an open revolt from Conservatives demanding her departure.

Speaking from a lectern in Downing Street, Ms Truss said she had told the King she was resigning as the leader of the Conservative Party as she recognised she “cannot deliver the mandate” that Tory members gave her little over six weeks ago.

She held talks with the chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives Sir Graham Brady and agreed to a fresh leadership election “to be completed within the next week”.

“This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our country’s economic stability and national security,” she added, as she was accompanied by husband Hugh O’Leary.

“I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded a general election “now” so that the nation can have “a chance at a fresh start”.

More to follow…

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