Wes Streeting has criticized Liz Truss, who holds the record for being the UK’s shortest-serving Prime Minister, for her recent economic remarks, accusing her of lacking shame. The prominent Labour Cabinet minister likened the former Tory leader’s actions to those of an arsonist criticizing the efforts of firefighters. Truss, ousted from office after a tumultuous 49-day tenure following a controversial mini-Budget, reiterated her stance in an interview on Sky News, blaming the Bank of England and deflecting responsibility for the country’s economic direction while warning of impending disaster under the Labour government.
Streeting, the Health Secretary, rebuked Truss’s defense, emphasizing that her input on economic matters holds no weight due to her past actions and the mess left behind by her party. He expressed disbelief at Truss’s lack of self-awareness and audacity in commenting on economic affairs without showing remorse or humility. Streeting emphasized that the Labour government does not need advice from figures like Truss who fail to acknowledge their past mistakes.
Truss, in her defense, indicated skepticism about the Conservative Party’s chances under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership, suggesting they are unlikely to secure an election victory. She refrained from ruling out a return to active politics but highlighted the need for a significant transformation in the British government, irrespective of who occupies the Prime Minister’s position. Truss’s comments hint at a broader concern for systemic change within key governmental institutions like the Treasury, the Office of Budget Responsibility, the Bank of England, and the Supreme Court.
Overall, the exchange between Streeting and Truss underscores the ongoing political tensions and differing economic perspectives within the UK’s political landscape.