Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for a general election in response to Liz Truss sacking Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor.
Speaking minutes before Mr Kwarteng confirmed he was “stepping aside” on Twitter, Sir Ed said people are ”angry, fed up and worried about the future.”
He said: “This mustn’t just be the end of Kwarteng’s disastrous chancellorship, it should be the death knell of the Conservatives’ reckless mismanagement of our economy.
“It didn’t suddenly start with Kwarteng but it must end now.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey
Dominic Lipinski
Kwasi Kwarteng
TOBY MELVILLE
“People are angry, fed up and worried about the future.
“Most of all they are furious that Conservative MPs seem to think this is an acceptable way to conduct the government of our country in these difficult times.
“Enough is enough. It started with Boris Johnson failing our country, and now Liz Truss has broken our economy, it is time for the people to have their say in a general election.”
In his letter to Ms Truss, Mr Kwarteng wrote: “Dear Prime Minster. You have asked me to stand aside as your Chancellor. I have accepted.
“When you asked me to serve as your Chancellor, I did so in full knowledge that the situation we faced was incredibly difficult, with rising global interest rates and energy prices. However, your vision of optimism, growth and change was right.
“As I have said many times in the past weeks, following the status quo was simply not an option. For too long this country has been dogged by low growth rates and high taxation — that must still change if this country is to succeed.
“The economic environment has changed rapidly since we set out the Growth Plan on 23 September. In response, together with the Bank of England and excellent officials at the Treasury we have responded to those events, and I commend my officials for their dedication.
“It is important now as we move forward to emphasise your government’s commitment to fiscal discipline. The Medium-Term Fiscal Plan is crucial to this end, and I look forward to supporting you and my successor to achieve that from the backbenches.
“We have been colleagues and friends for many years. In that time, I have seen your dedication and determination. I believe your vision is the right one. It has been an honour to serve as your first Chancellor.
“Your success is this country’s success and I wish you well."