Truss’s 49 days of turmoil: a mini-budget disaster in 2022

Liz Truss's tenure as Prime Minister lasted only 49 days, beginning on September 6, 2022, and was marked by a disastrous mini-budget that severely damaged the Conservative Party's reputation for economic competence. The leadership contest that led to her appointment was characterized by a cast of controversial figures, including Gavin Williamson and Jacob Rees-Mogg, who contributed to a perception of arrogance within the party. Truss's victory was largely attributed to her appeal to a predominantly older and white electorate that remained loyal to Boris Johnson. The mini-budget, which included unfunded tax cuts, triggered a financial crisis, leading to significant market turmoil. Truss's insistence on not implementing spending reductions exacerbated the situation, and her relationship with the Treasury was strained, particularly after she forced the sacking of Tom Scholar, a respected permanent secretary. This decision stemmed from her longstanding grievances from her previous tenure at the Treasury. The fallout from her policies and decisions prompted widespread criticism, including notable remarks from opposition leader Keir Starmer, who highlighted the impending publication of a book analyzing Truss's time in office. The book, titled "Truss at 10: How Not to Be Prime Minister," aims to dissect the lessons learned from her brief and tumultuous leadership. Ultimately, Truss's short time in power serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of leadership and the importance of sound economic policy, leaving a lasting impact on the Conservative Party's image and future prospects.