“The Queen Met Her and Then She Left”: The Rise of Britain’s New Leader, Liz Truss.png)
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A Political Chameleon Takes the Helm
Described by some as a political chameleon and by supporters as the “Iron Woman,” Mary Elizabeth Truss, better known as Liz Truss, stepped into the spotlight as Britain’s new Prime Minister. Her rise to power marks a challenging chapter for the Conservative Party, as Europe watches closely, hoping for the return of a strong and stable Britain.
The Path to Leadership
On a decisive Monday, the British Conservative Party chose Liz Truss, then serving as Foreign Secretary, as their leader and the next Prime Minister, succeeding Boris Johnson. Truss immediately pledged a program focusing on tax cuts, addressing the energy crisis, and economic reform. She also expressed gratitude to rival Rishi Sunak for a tough leadership contest and praised Boris Johnson for his stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin and for leading Britain out of the European Union.
From Controversy to Power
Johnson’s resignation followed a government coup triggered by multiple scandals, clearing the way for Truss to take charge. Initially doubted by many who predicted her defeat, Truss defied expectations and secured leadership through persistence and political savvy.
Who is Liz Truss?
Born in Oxford in 1975, Liz Truss grew up in a family aligned with the left-leaning Labour Party. Unlike many British political elites, she attended public school before studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Oxford University.
Early in her career, Truss was a member of the Liberal Democrats, advocating for progressive causes like abolishing the monarchy and legalizing cannabis. However, questions arose whether these stances were genuine or simply political positioning. By 1996, she had switched allegiance to the Conservative Party, winning her parliamentary seat in 2010.
Shifting Positions and Brexit
Truss's political journey is marked by contradictions. During the 2016 Brexit referendum, she initially supported remaining in the EU, citing economic benefits. But after the Leave vote, she reversed her position and became a staunch supporter of Brexit, highlighting its economic potential. As Minister of International Trade, she played a pivotal role in negotiating Britain’s exit terms.
Career Highlights
Over the years, Truss held numerous significant posts:
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Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Child Welfare and Education
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Minister of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
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Minister of State for Justice
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Chief Secretary to the Treasury
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Secretary of State for International Trade
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President of the Board of Trade
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Foreign Secretary (second woman to hold the position)
Her leadership during the Russia-Ukraine conflict earned her praise in the UK, particularly for imposing harsh sanctions on Russia and Russian oligarchs.
Challenges Ahead
Liz Truss enters office promising no new taxes, canceling planned corporate tax hikes, suspending green energy levies, and increasing defense spending from 2.5% to 3% of GDP by 2030. While popular with many Conservatives for her libertarian economic views, Truss faces a steep climb to manage Britain’s economic and political challenges effectively.
