Liz Truss has vowed to turn Britain into an "aspiration nation" as she made her first official speech as Prime Minister
Standing in Downing Street, the new Prime Minister said the country needs to build “roads, homes and broadband faster” with more investment in towns and cities across the country.
“I know that we have to tackle those challenges. Of course it won’t be easy but we can do it. We will transform Britain into an aspiration nation,” she said.
“I will take action this day and every day to make it happen.”`
Truss began by paying tribute to her predecessor, Boris Johnson.
She said she was honoured to take over the responsibility at a “vital time” for the UK.
After downpours of rain, Truss stood outside her new home and said: “Boris Johnson delivered Brexit, the Covid vaccine and stood up to Russian aggression. History will see him as a hugely consequential prime minister.
“I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at a vital time for our country.”
New British Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside Downing Street.
TOBY MELVILLE
The new PM continued by saying she is confident the nation can “ride out the storm”.
She explained: “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.”
Truss also promised to prioritise three major issues in her role as Prime Minister, saying tax cuts and reforms, soaring energy bills and the NHS were all issues she would address.
The new Prime Minister is thought to be considering capping energy prices for up to 18 months at £2,500 in a bid to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
New Prime Minister Liz Truss and her husband Hugh O'Leary
Kirsty O'Connor
Boris Johnson made his final speech at Downing Street as Prime Minister in the morning before travelling to see the Queen in Balmoral to tender his resignation.
In his farewell speech, he said: “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.
“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.”
Cincinnatus was a Roman statesman who became a legendary figure of virtue by the time of the late Republic, before his death in 430 BC.
An invasion is said to have prompted his fellow citizens to call for his leadership and he "came from his plough" to assume control of the state.
After achieving a decisive 16-day victory, he relinquished power and returned to his farm.
His success and immediate resignation has often been cited as an example of outstanding leadership.