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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Joe Middleton,Lamiat Sabin,Andy Gregory and Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Rishi Sunak – live: Former chancellor poised to become PM after Johnson drops out of race

AFP via Getty Images
Rishi Sunak becomes UK’s third prime minister this year

Rishi Sunak has begun his cabinet reshuffle, with business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg the first to go as Mr Sunak assembles his top team.

Education secretary Kit Malthouse, secretary of state for Wales Robert Buckland and Tory party chairman Jake Berry have all been cleared out and they will return to the backbenches.

The prime minister warned the public that the country is facing a “profound economic crisis” in his first speech.

In a swipe at his predecessor Liz Truss, Mr Sunak said that “mistakes were made” by her government.

He also emphasised the need for trust in government - in an apparent reference to Boris Johnson’s premiership.

“This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. Trust is earned and I will earn yours,” he said.

“I fully appreciate how hard things are,” Mr Sunak said.

Earlier today, Liz Truss tendered her resignation to the King after giving a final speech outside No 10. The Palace said the King was “graciously pleased to accept” Ms Truss’s resignation.

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