After 44 days in office, inflicting damage to the economy and temporarily reducing Britain’s global standing to a punchline, Liz Truss acknowledged that she could not “deliver the mandate” on which she was elected by the Conservative Party. The question now is not only who replaces her, but what comes next?
The process by which the next Tory leader, and therefore prime minister, will be elected is not that different from the previous one, albeit with a higher threshold among MPs and a significantly condensed timetable. Will it produce a better result for the country?
Whoever emerges faces multiple overlapping challenges. They must unite a political party that has descended into factionalism and threatens to become unmanageable. They must stabilise an economy that was pushed to the brink by a disastrous mini-Budget. And they also face the task of trying to turn around rock-bottom poll ratings.
Such is the crisis in British politics that it is unclear whether the medium-term fiscal statement, vital for maintaining market credibility and fiscal stability, can now go ahead as planned on October 31, when we may not know who will be the prime minister just days before.
The UK is a parliamentary democracy and the new leader is under no obligation to call a general election. But the Conservative Party cannot risk continuing to treat the British people as an afterthought to a game of political whack-a–mole. Further chaos would only lead to louder cries for a denouement to this crisis.
We face some of the most painful economic times in decades and a war in Europe — we need a leader to grip the moment, and fast.
Save Oxford Street
As the Elizabeth line hits the West End with the opening of Bond Street station next week, the idea of a pedestrianised Oxford Street rises again. London Mayor Sadiq Khan says it remains his “dream”, but it feels as distant as ever, despite the change of party running Westminster council.
Banning cars and limiting buses and taxis wouldn’t solve every problem the high street faces, but it would cut pollution, bring more people to the area and generally make it a nicer place to spend time and money.
Oxford Street at present simply is not working as it could. It needs to be more comfortable for pedestrians, safer for cyclists and attractive for tourists. The alternative is to potentially consign what was once Europe’s premier shopping street to terminal decline.
The area should be a destination for locals and foreign visitors, on weekdays and weekends, for shopping, eating and drinking. Pedestrianisation may be the simplest and most effective means of achieving that dream.
Opening night drama
The first new West End theatre to raise its curtains in 50 years enjoyed a traditionally dramatic opening night, as two understudies stepped in to take on a major role with only hours to spare.
The play, Marvellous, at the new @sohoplace, is the latest attraction for the capital’s world-renowned theatre scene. Grab yourself a seat.
