Liz Truss: Man in Rushcliffe didn't know PM resigned

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

In a BBC News vox pop, the resident said Liz Truss would “survive” the Tory chaos of Wednesday evening before being told she had already resigned Thursday lunchtime. The resident in West Bridgford, in the Conservative seat of Rushcliffe, was “surprised” to find out she had already gone.

BBC News journalist Navtej Johal said: “Not everybody was looking ahead. The pace of events meant some had not even had a chance to catch on today’s news.”

He said: “She will get over it, she will survive.”

The reporter interjected: “You know she has resigned? She resigned earlier this afternoon.”

The resident continued: “No, I didn’t know that. Oh, it surprises me.”

Twitter users were quick to react to the moment.

Christian Calgie wrote: “P****** myself at this BBC News vox pop in which a voter says he thinks Liz Truss can survive before being informed she’d resigned. Amazing TV.”

While Phi Okello added: “To be fair, I bet he only popped out for half an hour.”

Adrian Mulholland said: “The beauty of BBC Vox pops. Finger on the pulse.”

Boris Johnson ponders No 10 comeback following Liz Truss’s exit

It comes as Tories have begun to declare their allegiances in the party’s second leadership contest of the year as speculation mounts over who will seek to replace Liz Truss at the helm of the party.

Supporters of Boris Johnson are backing the former prime minister to make an extraordinary political comeback, while ex-chancellor Rishi Sunak and Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt also have the public support of several MPs, should they choose to run.

An ally of Ms Mordaunt said the Cabinet minister is not currently working on a leadership bid, though she is “taking soundings” from colleagues on the prospect of her standing for the top job.

There has also been no declaration yet from Mr Sunak, who did not answer questions from reporters as he left his home on Friday morning.

DON’T MISS

Man spends £3,500 making Liz Truss dog toys only for PM to quit [INSIGHT]
Boris’s return backed by Ukraine after deleted tweet [INSIGHT]
Germany doubles-down with new mocking bulletin – ‘The Lettuce won’ [ANALYSIS]

However, the ex-chancellor already has the backing of several Tories including ministers Robert Jenrick and Claire Coutinho and backbenchers Guy Opperman, Siobhan Baillie, Angela Richardson and Robin Walker.

Meanwhile, just six weeks after he left No 10 for the final time, forced out by his own MPs after one scandal too many, allies are urging Mr Johnson to run again for a second shot at the Tory crown.

Such a move would be highly divisive within the Conservative Party, with reports some MPs could resign the whip and sit as independents rather than serve under Mr Johnson.

But his supporters argue that he alone of the potential candidates to be the new prime minister has won a general election and has a mandate from the British public.

Source: Read Full Article