Britain | A big day for lettuces

Who will be Britain’s next leader?

Liz Truss quits. She has a strong claim to be the least successful prime minister in British history

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Liz Truss speaks in Downing Street, watched by husband Hugh O'Leary, as she resigns as Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom on October 20, 2022 in London, England. Liz Truss has been the UK Prime Minister for just 44 days and has had a tumultuous time in office. Her mini-budget saw the GBP fall to its lowest-ever level against the dollar, increasing mortgage interest rates and deepening the cost-of-living crisis. She responded by sacking her Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, whose replacement announced a near total reversal of the previous policies. Yesterday saw the departure of Home Secretary Suella Braverman and a chaotic vote in the House of Commons chamber. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

IT WAS the shortest premiership on record. It was also one of the most chaotic. On October 20th, just her 45th day in office, Liz Truss said she would resign as Britain’s prime minister (see chart). In doing so, she opened the way for Britain to get its third prime minister this year.

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