London politics LIVE: Liz Truss says UK ‘can ride out the storm’ as new Prime Minister announces Cabinet overhaul

Liz Truss has said she is confident the nation can “ride out the storm” as she vowed to transform Britain into an “aspiration nation” in her first speech from Downing Street as Prime Minister.

Ms Truss gave a short speech setting out her vision for Government from outside Number 10 after a meeting with Her Majesty the Queen at Balmoral.

In an address to the nation, Ms Truss said: “We will transform Britain into an aspiration nation with high-paying jobs, safe streets and where everyone everywhere has the opportunities they deserve.

“I will take action this day and action every day to make it happen."

Boris Johnson’s successor waste no time shaping her Cabinet with Dominic Raab, Steve Barclay and Grant Shapps all being sacked on Tuesday evening and announcing they were returning to the backbenches. All three had been prominent backers of Rishi Sunak, Truss’s leadership rival.

The new prime minister made a series of high-profile appointments, including Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Therese Coffey as Deputy PM and Health Secretary, while James Cleverley becomes the new Foreign Secretary.

Ms Truss vowed the country could overcome its challenging economic prospects, telling the public: “I'm confident that together we can ride out the storm, we can rebuild our economy and we can become the modern brilliant Britain that I know we can be.

“This is our vital mission to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations. I'm determined to deliver."

Ms Truss, 47, is the third female to hold office in history, and the 15th prime minister appointed under the Queen’s reign. The first was Winston Churchill in 1952.

Live coverage ends

22:32 , Josh Salisbury

Thank you for joining us for our live coverage on what has been a historic day in Westminster.

For a recap of the main events of the day, please read our story here.

New Northern Ireland Secretary appointed

22:28 , Josh Salisbury

Chris Heaton-Harris has been appointed as Northern Ireland Secretary.

Mr Heaton-Harris, the MP for Daventry, previous held the roles of parliamentary secretary to the Treasury and Chief Whip.

Michelle Donelan becomes new Culture Secretary

22:16 , Josh Salisbury

Michelle Donelan has been appointed Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Ms Donelan had been tipped by some to become Education Secretary, but this was taken by Kit Malthouse.

The previous Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, said she had been offered to stay in the post, but said earlier Tuesday she decided to serve from the backbenches.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan appointed Transport Secretary

22:09 , Josh Salisbury

Anne-Marie Trevelyan has left Downing Street following her appointment as Transport Secretary, taking over the portfolio from Grant Shapps.

Ms Trevelyan had previously been International Trade Secretary. She will face dealing with a slew of strikes affecting the transport network.

Ranil Jayawardena new Environment Secretary

22:05 , Josh Salisbury

Ranil Jayawardena has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, No10 said.

He has previously served as Minister for International Trade and is MP for North East Hampshire.

Kit Malthouse named new Education Secretary

21:56 , Josh Salisbury

Kit Malthouse, the former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will be the new Education Secretary.

This is more of an unexpected appointment than some of the others, as some had tipped Michelle Donelan, who resigned from the post less than 36 hours after accepting it as Boris Johnson’s premiership collapsed around him in July, to take the post instead.

New Work and Pensions Secretary named as Chloe Smith

21:50 , Josh Salisbury

In the latest flurry of new appointments, Chloe Smith has been appointed Work and Pensions Secretary, Downing Street said.

A fellow Norfolk MP, like Liz Truss, Ms Smith will take over Therese Coffey’s former role at the Department for Work and Pensions. Ms Coffey was promoted to be the new Health Secretary and Deputy PM.

Kemi Badenoch confirmed as new International Trade Secretary

21:45 , Josh Salisbury

Kemi Badenoch, has been confirmed as the new International Trade Secretary, taking over from Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

Ms Badenoch, who performed well in the Westminster stage of the leadership contest finishing fourth, had been tipped for a role in Ms Truss’s team.

Rees-Mogg: ‘No-one fails to realise scale of energy crisis'

21:39 , Josh Salisbury

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the new Business Secretary, is the only Cabinet minister to give an interview to journalists outside No10 after leaving the building.

Speaking to Sky News, he said: “We have to help businesses and individuals, and a package will be brought forward shortly.”

Mr Rees-Mogg refused to go into details, but said “nobody fails to realise the size of the problem".

Commenting on Boris Johnson's departure, he said the former prime minister "went out with dignity" - but that he wouldn't be coming back.

Simon Clarke confirmed as new Levelling Up secretary

21:35 , Josh Salisbury

Simon Clarke has been confirmed as the new Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Downing Street said.

Mr Clarke had been tipped for the role, which was previously held by Greg Clark, who served in the role for less than two months.

He had held the role after Michael Gove was sacked by Boris Johnson amid a wave of mass resignations which brought down the former Prime Minister.

Rees-Mogg appointed new Business and Energy Secretary

21:31 , Josh Salisbury

Jacob Rees-Mogg has been appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Downing Street said.

Mr Rees-Mogg, previously Brexit opportunities minister, backed Ms Truss during in the leadership race, saying she was as “strong a Brexiteer” as he was, despite her previous backing for Remain.

“I look forward to serving the Prime Minister and the country during the challenging times ahead,” he said.

“It is an honour to be appointed as the new Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.”

Liz Truss accepts invitation to visit Ukraine, says Downing Street

21:05 , Josh Salisbury

Liz Truss has accepted an invitation from Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Ukraine, Downing Street has said.

In a statement, No 10 said the new Prime Minister had reiterated the UK's “steadfast support for Ukraine's freedom and democracy".

“In her first call with a counterpart since becoming Prime Minister, she reiterated to the Ukrainian leader that he had her full backing, and Ukraine could depend on the UK's assistance for the long term," the statement added.

"President Zelensky thanked the Prime Minister for the UK's staunch support and congratulated her on her appointment.”

The statement added that Ms Truss was looking forward to working with Mr Zelensky, and “was delighted to accept an invitation to visit President Zelensky in Ukraine soon.”

Sacked minister’s wife insults Liz Truss

20:55 , Josh Salisbury

The wife of sacked minister, Johnny Mercer, has angrily hit out at Liz Truss over her husband’s sacking.

Felicity Cornelius-Mercer said the Cabinet system “stinks” and "treats people appallingly" after her husband was removed as veterans affairs minister.

Mr Mercer had said in his letter that he was disappointed in the loss of his job.

Ms Cornelius-Mercer said: “He asked her 'why would you do this, who is going to be better at this role than me, which of your mates gets the job, you promised a meritocracy?'

"PM - I can't answer that Johnny. This system stinks & treats people appallingly.

"Best person I know sacked by an imbecile trussliz."

Alok Sharma takes Cop26 role

20:49 , William Mata

Alok Sharma has been re-appointed as COP26 president.

Berry joins the cabinet

20:41 , William Mata

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, has been appointed minister without portfolio.

True to form

20:32 , William Mata

Lord True has been appointed Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords.

Penny Mordaunt welcomed aboard

20:28 , William Mata

Penny Mordaunt has been appointed Leader of the House of Commons, Downing Street has said.

The former foreign secretary was the early front runner to become the new prime minister.

Nadhim Zahawi returns

20:16 , William Mata

Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, minister for intergovernmental relations and minister for equalities.

The former chancellor had himself been in the running to be prime minister.

A greeting from Mr Biden

20:12 , Will Mata

Joe Biden has congratulated Ms Truss on becoming prime minister.

The US president said he would call her on Tuesday night and has vowed to continue the “special relationship” between the two countries.

Wendy Morton named chief whip

20:09 , William Mata

Wendy Morton has been appointed chief whip and will attend cabinet meetings.

She has been a previous minister for transport.

20:07 , Will Mata

Brandon Lewis has been appointed Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary.

He has previously been secretary of state for Northern Ireland and the chairman of the Conservative Party.

Ben Wallace returns

20:05 , Will Mata

Ben Wallace has been re-appointed as defence secretary, Downing Street said.

The Wyre and Preston North MP has held the position since 2019.

James Cleverly appointed as new Foreign Secretary

19:19 , Josh Salisbury

James Cleverly, who had been serving as Education Secretary, is now the new Foreign Secretary, it has been confirmed.

Mr Cleverly, who is a former FCDO minister, takes over the role that Liz Truss used to hold.

Downing Street confirmed the news in a tweet, saying: “The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP @JamesCleverly has been appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs”.

Kwasi Kwarteng confirmed as new Chancellor

19:13 , Josh Salisbury

As expected, Kwasi Kwarteng has been confirmed as the UK’s new Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr Kwarteng, the MP for Spelthorn in Surrey, is a close ally of Ms Truss, and had been widely expected to take over the position.

Downing Street said on Twitter: “The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP @KwasiKwarteng has been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer @HMTreasury”.

Following Nadhim Zahawi’s brief stint in the role, Mr Kwarteng becomes the UK’s fourth ethnic-minority chancellor in a row - with Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid having also held the job in the past four years.

Writing in the Financial Times recently, Mr Kwarteng made it clear he is relaxed about bumping up the UK's already sky-high levels of borrowing to help the economy weather the economic crisis.

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Therese Coffey appointed new Health Secretary and deputy PM

19:04 , Josh Salisbury

New appointments have now formally begun, with Therese Coffey formally appointed as the new Health Secretary.

Ms Coffey is the first appointment formally made by Liz Truss to Cabinet. She will also be the deputy PM.

Downing Street said: “The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Dr Therese Coffey MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. She will also be Deputy Prime Minister.”

Two more Sunak backers leave Cabinet

19:00 , Josh Salisbury

George Eustice, the former Environment Secretary, and another high-profile Rishi Sunak backer has also been fired from Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Shailesh Vara, another Sunak backer, is also out as Northern Ireland Secretary, saying he would support the Government from the backbenches.

Greg Clark loses Cabinet post as Levelling Up Secretary

18:49 , Josh Salisbury

Greg Clark, the Levelling Up Secretary, also has lost his post.

Mr Clark had only been in the role for less than two months, stepping up to the post after the sacking of Michael Gove by former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Mr Clark said on Twitter: “It’s been such a privilege to be at the helm at @luhc these last 8 weeks.

“Thanks to superb teams of ministers, civil servants, colleagues in local govt and partners in business & voluntary sector we’ve done the job and delivered a lot more besides. I’ve enjoyed it enormously.”

Mercer and Stephenson out of Government as Truss continues reshuffle

18:39 , Josh Salisbury

Andrew Stephenson said he was no longer Conservative Party chairman, as Ms Truss continues her reshuffle.

He tweeted: "Thanks to the brilliant hardworking team at Conservatives Central Office - it's been an honour to be Party Chairman during the leadership contest & to campaign in 87 different seats. Best of luck to my successor!"

Meanwhile, Johnny Mercer, the former veterans affairs minster, has also been sacked from Government.

In a statement posted on social media, he said was "disappointed" to have been "relieved of my duties in Government" by Liz Truss.

Therese Coffey arrives into No 10

18:33 , Josh Salisbury

While no appointments have yet been made, Liz Truss loyalist, Therese Coffey, has just walked into Downing Street.

Ms Coffey, formerly at the Department of Work and Pensions, is expected to be announced as the new Health Secretary.

That means Kwasi Kwarteng, Suella Braverman, and Ms Coffey, have all been spotted going into No 10 so far.

Video shows moment Liz Truss arrived into No10 for first time as PM

18:26 , Josh Salisbury

Downing Street has just released a video of the moment Liz Truss walked into the world-famous building for the first time as Prime Minister.

Ms Truss, flanked by husband Hugh O’Leary, was applauded by staff as she made her way through the building.

Suella Braverman arrives at No 10

18:22 , Josh Salisbury

Suella Braverman has entered the front door of Number 10.

Ms Braverman is expected to be announced as the next Home Secretary.

The former Attorney General and former leadership contender walked up Downing Street, waving and smiling at the awaiting press.

Kwasi Kwarteng arrives at Downing Street

18:18 , Josh Salisbury

Kwasi Kwarteng, who is expected to become the next Chancellor, has just arrived at No10 Downing Street.

The former Business Secretary was pictured arriving at Downing Street minutes after a series of sackings from Cabinet.

Here is a picture from the BBC’s Economics correspondent, Faisal Islam.

Former Health Secretary Steve Barclay latest to leave Cabinet

18:06 , Josh Salisbury

Firings are now coming in thick and fast as Ms Truss begins to assemble a new top team, with Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, also leaving his post.

Mr Barclay said: “After 7 years in government I am returning to the backbenches. Thanks to all colleagues, both political & civil service, for their fantastic support.

“Wishing @trussliz & her ministerial team every success for the future.”

Grant Shapps also leaves Cabinet

18:02 , Josh Salisbury

A new Cabinet is now being unveiled, with former Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, also leaving his post.

Mr Shapps confirmed the news in a post on Twitter saying: It has been a privilege to serve as Transport Secretary; a job I loved.

“Now I look forward to being a strong, independent voice on the backbenches, developing policies that will further the Conservative cause and the interests of my constituents in Welwyn Hatfield.”

Dominic Raab to leave Cabinet

17:54 , Josh Salisbury

Dominic Raab, the former deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, has tweeted he is leaving Cabinet.

He said: “Thanks to the brilliant MoJ team for all their hard work over the last year.

“Good luck to the new PM and her team. I look forward to supporting the government from the backbenches.”

New PM arrives at Parliament as fresh Cabinet to be appointed

17:51 , Josh Salisbury

Liz Truss has arrived at Parliament, according to reports, heralding the beginning of the Cabinet reshuffle.

The Daily Mail’s John Stevens reports the new PM has arrived in Parliament to begin sackings.

Many of the positions in Ms Truss’s top team have been briefed, although not confirmed, already, with Kwasi Kwarteng expected to become the next Chancellor.

James Cleverly is expected to be Foreign Secretary, and Suella Braverman, a former leadership contender, is lined up to become Home Secretary.

Truss: Mission is to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all

17:35 , Josh Salisbury

Ms Truss concluded her speech on an optimistic note, while conceding that there will be significant challenges.

She said: “I am confident that together we can ride out the storm. We can rebuild our economy and we can become the modern brilliant Britain that I know we can be.

“This is our vital mission to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations. I am determined to deliver Thank you.”

Truss: Country can overcome ‘storm’ of economic difficulties

17:32 , Josh Salisbury

Liz Truss expressed confidence that the country can rise to the difficulties it faces, saying Britain are “stronger” than the storm of challenges.

In her first speech as Prime Minister at Downing Street, which came after a downpour on Tuesday afternoon and several stormy nights for London this week, Ms Truss said: “We shouldn’t be daunted by the challenges we face.

“As strong as the storm may be, I know that the British people are stronger.

“Our country was built by people who get things done. We have huge reserves of talent, of energy and determination”.

Tackling energy bills and NHS backlog early priorities - Truss

17:30 , Josh Salisbury

Ms Truss also vowed that two other early priorities of her Government will be to tackle the cost-of-living, and the NHS backlog.

She said: “I will take action this week to deal with energy bills and secure our future energy supply.”

She also vows to make sure people can see doctors when they need to by tackling the NHS backlog.

“Thirdly, I will make sure that people can get doctor's appointments and the NHS services they need. We will put our health service on a firm footing.

"By delivering on the economy, on energy and on the NHS, we will put our nation on the path to long-term success".

Truss: Early priority is growing the economy

17:16 , Josh Salisbury

Liz Truss says she has three early priorities as Prime Minister, the first of which is to grow the economy.

“Firstly I will get Britain working again. I have a bold plan to grow the economy through tax cuts and reform. I will cut taxes to reward hard work and boost business-led growth and investment,” she says.

“I will drive reform in my mission to get Britain working, building and growing”.

Truss begins delivering first speech outside No10 as PM

17:11 , Josh Salisbury

Liz Truss has begun addressing the nation for the first time as PM to applause for supporters.

She begins her speech by paying tribute to Boris Johnson by saying history will remember him as a “hugely consequential” Prime Minister.

However, she warns that the nation faces significant challenges, saying we need to tackle the issues holding the nation back.

“I know we have what it takes to tackle those challenges. Of course it won’t be easy, but we can do it,” she says.

Truss to give speech outside despite rain scare

17:06 , Josh Salisbury

After a brief period where it appeared that Liz Truss would be unable to give a speech outside No 10 Downing Street due to heavy rains, it is now thought she will be able to give a speech outside as planned.

The podium, which had been briefly removed to protect it from the weather, has now been returned.

Heavy rain outside Downing Street as Truss due to make address

16:52 , Josh Salisbury

Unfortunately for Liz Truss, the heavens have opened outside No10, according to those assembled outside.

Ms Truss is now thought to be just minutes away from giving her first address as Prime Minister.

She will be hoping that the the rain holds off for her address, although it has been reported that there is a back-up plan of Ms Truss giving an address from inside Downing Street should the weather make an address outside impractical.

Here is a picture from the Guardian’s Aubrey Allegretti, of the podium being covered from the rain.

Conservative MPs begin assembling for Liz Truss speech in Downing Street

16:44 , Josh Salisbury

Dozens of Conservative MPs have begun assembling in Downing Street to watch Liz Truss’s first speech which is due in the next few minutes.

Among them are Jacob-Rees Mogg, Therese Coffey, who could become the new Health Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi and Ben Wallace.

Here is a picture from Lewis Goodall, formerly of Newsnight, and now of Global.

Podium brought out ahead of Liz Truss national address from No10

16:21 , Josh Salisbury

Staff have carried out a podium for Prime Minister Liz Truss’s address to the nation ahead of her arrival at Downing Street, in a sign that her speech will begin shortly.

Hundreds of reporters and broadcasters have gathered under umbrellas facing the door to No 10.

World’s media gather outside No10 ahead of Liz Truss address

16:17 , Josh Salisbury

The world’s media is camped outside No 10 as they wait for Prime Minister Liz Truss to leave RAF Northolt and make an address to the public in Downing Street.

Who is likely to be in Liz Truss’s new Cabinet?

16:09 , Josh Salisbury

The new Prime Minister is set to formally outline her Cabinet on Tuesday evening after an address to the public from Downing Street.

Among those likely to be in her Cabinet are Kwasi Kwarteng, who is set to be the next Chancellor.

James Cleverly, the current Education Secretary, is tipped to become the next Foreign Secretary, while former leadership contender, Suella Braverman, is lined up to become the next Home Secretary.

You can read more about who is being tipped as Cabinet members under Liz Truss here.

Liz Truss’s plane lands at RAF Northolt

15:59 , Josh Salisbury

According to flight tracking site, Flight Radar 24, Liz Truss’s plane has just landed at RAF Northolt on her return journey from Balmoral.

Pictures broadcast by BBC News showed the plane carrying Ms Truss making a landing at the airport to the north-west of central London.

Ms Truss will then go to Downing Street where she is expected to make an address to the nation setting out her vision for the Government she is assembling.

She will then set out her new Cabinet, with Kwasi Kwarteng set to become the next Chancellor.

Therese Coffey seen entering No10

15:18 , Miriam Burrell

Therese Coffey, who is reportedly set to be Liz Truss’s right-hand woman, entered No10 Downing St ahead of the new prime minister’s arrival.

The Telegraph is reporting that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will be given the role of deputy prime minister.

Truss is bound for London

14:56 , Miriam Burrell

New Prime Minister Liz Truss has left Scotland on a flight bound for London.

She left from Aberdeen International Airport following her meeting with the Queen on a rainy afternoon at Balmoral Castle.

She will return to England, where she is expected to give a speech at Downing Street later on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has touched down in London following his visit to Balmoral to resign as prime minister.

Truss urged to warn of ‘utterly dire situation'

14:20 , Miriam Burrell

Senior Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin has urged Liz Truss to “level with the British people” about the “utterly dire situation” the country faces in her first speech as Prime Minister.

“We’re looking at kind of five horses of apocalypse coming at the same time, a perfect storm of crises,” he told BBC Radio 4.

“Not just the cost-of-living crisis, not just the energy crisis, we have state-on-state war in Europe for the first time since 1945, we have embedded inflation and the public finances are already shot to pieces”.

He added that “she’s got to prepare people, we’re not in sunny uplands”, while warning that the freezing of energy bills “is a short-term fix” as the war in Ukraine could go on for years.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith turned down position in Truss Cabinet

13:58 , Miriam Burrell

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said he was offered a position in Liz Truss’s new Cabinet but turned it down.

Sir Iain, who was a prominent supporter of the new Prime Minister in the leadership contest, suggested he would have had to “give up quite a lot of other things” to do it and that he was happy to remain on the backbenches.

Sometimes in life you have got to figure out whether you add value to a particular job that you are being asked to do,” he told BBC Radio 4.

“It is all about what I can do and I am very happy to be on the backbenches for the moment.”

Larry the Cat waits for Truss

13:45 , Miriam Burrell

Larry has been spotted waiting outside No10 Downing St for Liz Truss.

The cat has lived at the prime minister’s residence since 2011. He was mentioned in Boris Johnson’s farewell speech on Tuesday.

Mr Johnson said if his dog Dilyn and Larry the cat can “put behind them their occasional difficulties”, then so can the Tory party.

What happens now?

13:39 , Miriam Burrell

Now that Liz Truss is formerly Britain’s prime minister, she will return to London to appoint a new Cabinet.

She is also expected to make her own speech outside No10 Downing St on Tuesday afternoon, hours after Boris Johnson delivered his farewell speech there.

It is already being reported that Ms Truss will freeze household energy bills at around £2,500 as part of her plan to address the energy crisis.

The Times is reporting that the government will reach a legally binding contracts with energy companies to freeze wholesale prices.

The freeze will be predicated on what the government wants the retail price to be, Political Editor Steven Swinford wrote on Twitter.

Ms Truss has to factor in the £400 already coming on energy bills - hence the £2,500 figure.

Queen confirms Liz Truss as PM

13:08 , Miriam Burrell

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen received in audience The Right Honourable Elizabeth Truss MP today and requested her to form a new administration. Ms Truss accepted Her Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon her appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.”

Meanwhile, Ireland’s premier Micheal Martin has congratulated Ms Truss.

“A strong partnership between our two governments is vital to underpin the Good Friday Agreement and support peace and prosperity on these islands,” he said.

“I hope we can use the period ahead to prioritise EU-UK engagement and to reach agreed outcomes on the issues around implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.”

Truss leaves Balmoral Castle

13:06 , Miriam Burrell

Liz Truss has left Balmoral after becoming the first Prime Minister of the Queen’s reign to be appointed by the monarch at her private Scottish home of Balmoral.

The new Prime Minister is the 15th premier of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

Ms Truss, who was joined by her husband Hugh O’Leary, said her goodbyes to the Queen’s private secretary and her equerry in a reception hallway and was waved off by the royal aides.

Twitter profiles change

12:51 , Miriam Burrell

Shortly after his audience with the Queen, Boris Johnson’s Twitter profile reflected his new status, describing him as the “former prime minister of the United Kingdom”.

Meanwhile, moments after Liz Truss shook hands with the monarch, her Twitter profile also changed to say: “Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Leader of the Conservative Party. MP for South West Norfolk.”

Liz Truss meets the Queen

12:45 , Miriam Burrell

Liz Truss has shaken hands with Her Majesty the Queen inside Balmoral Castle

Truss to freeze energy bills at around £2,500 - reports

12:42 , Miriam Burrell

Liz Truss is expected to freeze household energy bills at around £2,500, The Times is reporting.

It will be the £1,971 energy price cap, plus the £400 universal handout, “with a little on top”, Political Editor Steven Swinford said in a Twitter post.

The cost is expected to be around £90 billion - coming from general taxation, not energy bills, he said.

Pictured: Liz Truss at Balmoral

12:39 , Miriam Burrell

The country’s next prime minister Liz Truss has swept onto the Queen’s private Scottish estate in a chauffeur-driven car with her husband Hugh O’Leary.

She will be formally invited to form a Government and become prime minister during her audience with the Queen.

Ms Truss said “good afternoon” as she first shook hands with the Equerry, who gestured towards Sir Edward and the aide introduced himself before the politician and her husband were ushered inside.

Truss greeted moments after Johnson’s departure

12:28 , Miriam Burrell

Liz Truss has been greeted by the Queen’s private Secretary Sir Edward Young and her Equerry Lieutenant Colonel Tom White just minutes after Boris Johnson’s departure from Balmoral Castle.

Liz Truss arrives at Balmoral Castle

12:23 , Miriam Burrell

Liz Truss has arrived moments after Boris Johnson left Balmoral Castle.

She will be appointed as the UK’s new prime minister by the Queen.

Queen ‘graciously pleased to accept’ Johnson’s resignation

12:11 , Miriam Burrell

Boris Johnson and his wife spent almost 40 minutes with the Queen before leaving Balmoral a few minutes before midday.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP had an audience of The Queen this morning and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury, which Her Majesty was graciously pleased to accept.”

Angela Rayner: Government stoking ‘flames of distrust'

12:08 , Miriam Burrell

The Government has been “deliberately stoking up the flames of distrust and disunity” with union leaders amid widespread strike action, according to deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner.

When asked whether Labour MPs should be on picket lines supporting striking workers, Ms Rayner told PA: “Labour have always supported the right to strike, it’s a basic right.

“As a (former) trade union official myself, if we ended up in industrial action it was a last resort, we didn’t want to have to ask our members to do that, and members don’t want to do that.

“The rhetoric that is coming out of Government is about deliberately stoking up the flames of distrust and disunity.

“What we want to do is bring people together around the table, improve the standard of living for people and support British industry.”

Boris Johnson leaves Balmoral Castle

12:03 , Miriam Burrell

And just like that, Boris Johnson has left the Queen and Balmoral Castle.

Pictured: Boris and Carrie Johnson at Balmoral Castle

11:36 , Miriam Burrell

Queen meets Boris Johnson in private royal residence

11:31 , Miriam Burrell

Boris Johnson was greeted by the Queen’s private Secretary Sir Edward Young and her Equerry Lieutenant Colonel Tom White at Balmoral Castle.

Pages were on hand to open the doors of the chauffeur-driven car which arrived in light rain and stopped at the front door.

The head of state and Mr Johnson will meet in the drawing room of the private royal residence where the former Tory party leader will offer his resignation to the Queen.

Following convention, the politician is expected to leave the Queen’s estate via a private route.

Boris Johnson arrives at Balmoral Castle

11:22 , Miriam Burrell

Boris Johnson has arrived at Balmoral Castle to meet the Queen and hand in his resignation.

Therese Coffey to be deputy PM - reports

11:20 , Miriam Burrell

Therese Coffey will be appointed Liz Truss’s Deputy Prime Minister as well as Health Secretary today, The Telegraph is reporting.

Questions are swirling over who will be in Ms Truss’s Cabinet. Key allies and supporters are already pencilled in for some of the most senior roles, including Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng who is widely expected to be given the crucial role of chancellor.

Liz Truss’s plane circles before finally landing in Aberdeen

11:11 , Sarah Harvey

A plane carrying Liz Truss had to do a number of circles over Aberdeen International Airport, before landing on Tuesday morning, due to thick fog.

More than 26,000 people were live tracking the flight using Flightradar24.

Ms Truss arrived in Scotland shortly after Boris Johnson and will this afternoon be appointed by the Queen as Britain’s new prime minister.

Officers arrive outside Balmoral Castle

10:47 , Miriam Burrell

Police officers have arrived outside Balmoral Castle ahead of Boris Johnson’s meeting with the Queen

Nadine Dorries asked to stay on as Culture Secretary

10:33 , Miriam Burrell

Nadine Dorries confirmed she had been asked to stay on as Culture Secretary by Liz Truss but decided to return to the backbenches.

In her resignation letter to outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson, she said: “I am humbled that your successor has extended her confidence in me by asking me to remain as Secretary of State for DCMS.”

But she said “after much reflection” she had decided to step down.

Winston Churchill to Liz Truss

10:14 , Miriam Burrell

Liz Truss is the 15th Prime Minister to serve during the Queen’s reign. The first was Winston Churchill in 1952.

The Royal Family has shared photographs on Twitter of Her Majesty with previous prime ministers, ahead of Liz Truss arriving Balmoral Castle to be appointed this afternoon.

Liz Trussell vs Liz Truss

10:07 , Miriam Burrell

A woman named Liz Trussell has been sending witty replies to a flurry of tweets accidentially sent to her instead of Britain’s new prime minister Liz Truss.

Ms Trussell has the Twitter account ‘liztruss’, which political leaders and members of the public have mistakenly used to either congratulate or criticise the new Tory leader following her victory on Monday. Ms Truss has the Twitter handle ‘trussliz’.

Boris Johnson lands in Aberdeen

09:47 , Miriam Burrell

A flight believed to be carrying Boris Johnson to Scotland has landed at Aberdeen International Airport.

He is expected to meet the Queen at Balmoral Castle around 11.20am, where he will offer his resignation as prime minister.

Liz Truss will meet the monarch less than an hour later to be appointed as prime minister before returning to London to form her Cabinet.

She is expected to deliver a speech around 4pm.

Truss’s energy plan to be ‘major intervention’

09:42 , Miriam Burrell

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke has indicated that Liz Truss’s plan to tackle soaring energy prices will be a “major intervention” to help businesses as well as households.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It will come very shortly and there is a clear commitment to...provide early certainty to families and businesses that there will be help available to meet the undoubted challenges that this autumn and winter are going to bring.”

Watch: Best bits of Boris Johnson’s speech

09:26 , Miriam Burrell

His full speech can be read here.

Truss’s Cabinet to include those who backed Sunak, Clarke says

09:18 , Miriam Burrell

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke said he “would be astonished” if Liz Truss’s new Cabinet did not include people who backed her rival Rishi Sunak.

“It will include people from right across the party and I would be astonished if it didn’t include people who backed Rishi,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“The reality is that everybody wants to see the Conservative Party unite and bring together talent from across the party”.

Boris Johnson applauded as he leaves No10

08:58 , Miriam Burrell

SNP Westminster leader calls for general election

08:39 , Miriam Burrell

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has said that a general election should take place.

“What Liz Truss now seems to be proposing was not in the Tory manifesto in the 2019 election,” he told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland radio programme.

“First and foremost, let’s put the support in place that families, that businesses, need.

“Let’s get that done and the right thing to do is then to put this to the people, to have that general election and let the people in Scotland express their opinion, and I think crucially their opinion as to whether or not Scotland should be an independent country.”

Boris Johnson compares himself to a booster rocket

08:26 , Miriam Burrell

During his farewell speech Boris Johnson compared himself to a booster rocket.

“On the subject of bouncing around in future careers, let me say that I am now like one of those booster rockets that has fulfilled its function,” he said.

“I will now be gently re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down invisibly in some remote and obscure corner of the Pacific.

“Like Cincinnatus, I am returning to my plough and I will be offering this government nothing but the most fervent support.”

Labour MPs slam Johnson’s speech

08:21 , Miriam Burrell

Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips said Boris Johnson “always lies”, meanwhile Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting criticised his comments about the NHS.

Johnson listing ‘imaginary achievements’

08:08 , Miriam Burrell

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said Boris Johnson was listing “imaginary achievements” in his resignation speech, describing him as “the worst Prime Minister of the modern era”.

Pictured: Boris Johnson’s farewell speech

08:03 , Miriam Burrell

Johnson praises govt for getting economy ‘moving again'

07:55 , Miriam Burrell

Boris Johnson praised his government for getting “this economy moving again from July last year despite all the opposition”, saying it meant that “we have and will continue to have that economic strength to give people the cash they need to get through this energy crisis that has been caused by Putin’s vicious war”.

He added: “I know that Liz Truss and this compassionate Conservative government will do everything we can to get people through this crisis and this country will endure it.

“And if Putin thinks that he can succeed by blackmailing or bullying the British people, then he is utterly deluded.”

‘Fantastic group of public servants'

07:47 , Miriam Burrell

Boris Johnson celebrated the success of the vaccines rollout as he delivered his final speech from No10 as Prime Minister.

He said: “Through that lacquered black door, a new prime minister will shortly go to meet a fantastic group of public servants.

“The people who got Brexit done. The people who delivered the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe, and never forget 70 per cent of the entire population got a dose within six months – faster than any comparable country. That is government for you. That’s this Conservative government.”

Bye Bye Boris

07:44 , Miriam Burrell

As soon as Boris Johnson began his speech, protesters began playing “Bye Bye Boris” from Kings Charles Street, which runs parallel to Downing St.

The song is a remix of “Bye Bye Baby” which anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray and his supporters often play during protests.

Others could be heard shouting from Whitehall.

Tory MPs who had gathered to watch Boris Johnson’s farewell speech broke into cheers as he finished his address.

Mr Johnson held his wife’s hand and shook hands with officials as he left the street to rapturous applause.

Boris Johnson leaves Downing St

07:41 , Miriam Burrell

‘I will be supporting the Liz Truss government'

07:39 , Miriam Burrell

Mr Johnson thanked everyone who has helped to look after his family, inluding Dilyn the dog, and Larry, the cat.

“If Dilyn and Larry can put behind their occassional differences, then so can the Conservative Party.

“I will be supporting the Liz Truss government every step of the way.”

Johnson: ‘I am one of those booster rockets’

07:37 , Miriam Burrell

Mr Johnson said of his future: “I am now like one of those booster rockets..I will now gently be re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down in some remote corner of the Pacific.”

Boris on efforts for Ukraine

07:34 , Miriam Burrell

Boris Johnson has thanked the “people who organised those prompt early supplies of weapons to Ukrainian forces”, an action he said may have “changed the course of the biggest European war in decades”.

He said he knows Liz Truss and her government will do everything she can to get Ukraine through “this crisis”.

Boris Johnson’s farewell speech

07:31 , Miriam Burrell

Boris Johnson is delivering his farewell speech outside Downing St before travelling to Balmoral to announce his resignation to the Queen.

“This is it folks,” he began.

“The torch will finally be passed...the baton will be handed over to what has unexpectedly been a relay race.”

Tory MPs gather outside No10

07:27 , Miriam Burrell

Nadine Dorries arrives at Downing St

07:19 , Miriam Burrell

Nadine Dorries, who has stepped down as Culture Secretary, arrives at No10 alongside Rachel Johnson, Boris Johnson’s sister

Rayner: ‘Unfair’ for working-class to bear brunt of energy bill freeze

07:14 , Miriam Burrell

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has said it is “unfair” for working-class people to bear the brunt of any energy bill freeze that is introduced.

She told Good Morning Britain: “It sounds to me... that (Liz Truss) will bring in the energy freeze, which is what Labour has called for and that’s a good thing.

“But to make working people pay for it when the gas and oil companies have made bumper profits would be completely unfair.

“Therefore, the windfall tax on these companies, who have made extra profit than what they were expecting, is the right thing to do.”

Nadine Dorries steps down

07:08 , Miriam Burrell

Nadine Dorries has announced she is standing down as Culture Secretary.

Sources close to the Tory MP – who was a prominent supporter of Liz Truss during the leadership election – said she believed it was the right time to go.

It is understood she was given the opportunity to carry on in Cabinet but had chosen instead to return to the backbenches.

Sir Ed Davey calls for ‘genuine freeze' of energy bills

07:01 , Miriam Burrell

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has called for a “genuine freeze” of energy bills rather than a “loan system”.

He told BBC Breakfast: “What we’re hearing from Downing Street...isn’t a freeze. It’s a loan.

“What they’re saying is that families and pensioners should be paying this back for years to come. That’s just not right.”

Downing St

06:54 , Miriam Burrell

Media have gathered outside No10 Downing St ahead of Boris Johnson’s speech, expected around 7.30am

Who will be in Liz Truss’s ministerial team?

06:47 , Miriam Burrell

A number of key allies and supporters have already been pencilled in for some of the most senior roles, including Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng who is widely expected to be given the crucial role of chancellor.

Other key appointments are expected to include Attorney General Suella Braverman, who is tipped for promotion to home secretary, and Education Secretary James Cleverly, who is expected to be the new foreign secretary.

Therese Coffey, the Work and Pensions Secretary who is described as Ms Truss’s closest friend at Westminster, is thought to be in line to become health secretary while Ben Wallace is expected to remain as Defence Secretary.

Today’s timeline

06:43 , Miriam Burrell

7.30am - Boris Johnson is expected to make a speech outside Downing St

He and Liz Truss will then travel to Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, where Mr Johnson will announce his resignation to the Queen and Ms Truss will be appointed as the new prime minister.

4pm - Liz Truss is set to make a speech at No10 before she appoints her ministerial team

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