LIZ TRUSS has been congratulated on becoming the UK’s new Prime Minister by Solihull’s Tory politicians.
Her victory over Rishi Sunak in the leadership ballot among Conservative party members was announced in Westminster and she immediately faced calls to curb “rampant” energy cost increases.
Ms Truss promised a ‘bold’ programme to tax cuts to boost the economy and prevent the country from tipping into a recession.
Solihull MP Julian Knight, who has supported her campaign since she put her hat into the ring to replace Boris Johnson in June, has congratulated Ms Truss on her win.
Mr Knight said he believes Ms Truss will deliver the priorities of people in Solihull after visiting the borough three times during her leadership campaign, including a visit to Solihull Moors Football Club where she spoke with residents.
Mr Knight added: “Having been Parliamentary Private Secretary to Liz in 2019, I know just how hard she works in Government and for this reason I backed Liz Truss from day one of the leadership campaign.
“Liz has now demonstrated in Government that she can deliver.
“She will be a Prime Minister that delivers the priorities of people in Solihull and she has my complete support.”
Merdien MP Saqib Bhatti spoke of his delight that Ms Truss had been appointed leader.
He added: “I will support the new government to get the economy growing again so we can attract more jobs and investment to our region.
“During the leadership campaign Liz spoke about reforming planning so communities would have a bigger say on development in their area and I hope to work with her to further protect our greenbelt land.”
Councillor Ian Courts, the Conservative leader of Solihull Council, offered his congratulations to Ms Truss. He said: “We all know that she will be faced with some incredibly difficult issues to deal with first and foremost, the cost of living crisis, soaring energy costs, the war in Ukraine and UK inflation.
“There are also local and regional issues like the need to support and promote the economy, create jobs, as well as action on the environment.
“I look forward to working with her new government to provide whatever support we can to people across Solihull to get through these tough times.”
Business leaders in Greater Birmingham urged the new Prime Minister to ‘tackle issues facing businesses and the economy’.
Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “At present, the most pressing concern for businesses is how our new Prime Minister and cabinet will tackle the very real issues facing our businesses and economy.
“Our business community has proven itself to be remarkably resilient, entrepreneurial and full of further potential to unlock. It drives economic growth and employment opportunities.
“It needs to see urgent short-term measures coupled with long term vision and strategic decision making to enable its success.”
