Liz Truss announced today that she would be resigning as Prime Minister of the UK after a chaotic term in office. Liz Truss is now the shortest-serving prime minister in history, at only 44 days, her resignation comes after multiple U-turns on the governments mini-budget and 'chaos' during the fracking vote yesterday.
Residents and politicians in Leeds have reacted to the news, with many saying it is "unsurprising" that she took the decision to step down. Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council tweeted his response to Truss' resignation, calling for an immediate general election.
A new leader of the Conservatives will be selected by next Friday as the leadership race gets underway. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly going to stand in the race.
Read More: Liz Truss statement as she resigns as Prime Minister
Cllr Lewis said: "Liz Truss made her core message that our city, public services and schools weren't good enough.
"Turns out it's not us but her and the Conservatives that are not up to standard.
"We need a general election now."
Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen and sister of the late Jo Cox, said the Government are 'unforgivable' in response to Truss' resignation, she said: "I spent today in my constituency of Batley & Spen, visiting a primary school and holding a Jobs Fair, and the truth is that the real tragedy of the past few weeks has little to do with Liz Truss’ job and everything to do with the lives of the people we are elected to represent.
"The chaos in government and the total failure of leadership has seen inflation and household bills rocket, pushed businesses to the point of closure and seen our NHS and Education sector under unsustainable pressure.
"That is unforgivable.
"The Conservative Party has lost all authority to govern and cannot impose another Prime Minister with no mandate from the country.
"There must be a General Election now to allow the people of Britain to choose a government that can unite our country and provide a fresh start with a competent, responsible leader who will put the country, not party, first.”
Zara Hussain, Labour Councillor for Roundhay, said: "Apology to Roundhay School is still pending Liz…"
Residents reacted to the news, some were surprised the PM lasted as long as she did, and others had no idea Truss had stepped down just this afternoon.
David, 67, said: "I'm not surprised, I didn't know she had gone but it was only a matter of time.
"She was a waste of time, she wasted the country's time, she was never elected properly and she was terminal from the beginning."
Julie, 56, said: "Surely they can't just put another person in charge so soon?
"As a country, we look ridiculous frankly, it's like a race to see who is the most embarrassing, I think it's time to let us decide and host a general election."
David, another resident, who had no clue about Truss' resignation, said he was surprised she even became leader. He said: "She's gone? Well thank God, it was only a matter of time.
"She was always vocal about Leeds but there were no plans to help, my only worry is who do we get next? The Tories are running out of choices."
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