Liz Truss introduces her cabinet


AWhen Liz Truss was finally back in London after her long day of travel and more than 200 party friends, employees and journalists were waiting on the square in front of her office, it started pouring rain. Truss, who was approaching the government district in her car at the time, had to make the first decision as prime minister: speak outside despite the rain, on the first way to the official residence, as tradition dictates? Or scurry into the house and later give a speech in the dry? The lectern was taken down, but then put back in place when the rain suddenly stopped. The historical moment could be staged as planned. The quick change of mind had paid off.

The listeners experienced a beaming but matter-of-fact Prime Minister this Tuesday. After a friendly tribute to her predecessor, she announced her “early priorities”: reviving the economy with tax cuts, addressing the energy crisis and reforming the National Health Service so that people would no longer have to wait months for an appointment. Referring to the “global headwinds” she linked to Russia’s aggression and the Covid pandemic, she said: “As strong as the storm gets, I know the British people are stronger.” The size of the country is there in “our core beliefs of liberty, enterprise and fair play,” she said, pledged to work toward her goal of an “aspiring nation” every day. “Together with our allies”, the United Kingdom will also stand up for “freedom and democracy in the world”.

Johnson’s farewell speech with loopholes

The day of the British transfer of power had started unusually – also unusually early. Boris Johnson had already appeared at the same place at 7.30 a.m. and had thanked his companions for finding their way to the square in front of Downing Street at dawn. His first sentence was, “This is it, folks.” That’s it, friends.

With anyone else, that would have been interpreted as a clear and final farewell, but not with Johnson. Wouldn’t “That’s all, Folks” have been more unequivocal?, a language-fastidious observer wondered. And was it by accident that Johnson made a reference to Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus? The early Roman consul became famous for making himself available to his people in times of need, although he would have preferred to till his fields. But historians also know that the Romans asked him to take office a second time when another threat was approaching.

Some were reminded that morning of Johnson’s famous answer many years ago, brushing aside the question of whether he wanted to be prime minister. “More likely, I’ll be reincarnated as an olive or beheaded by a Frisbee,” he said at the time. That too sounded like an announcement or rejection, which wasn’t one. Johnson may be careless with the truth – the trained journalist and classicist usually uses words with care.

At least Johnson gave a farewell speech that kept doors open for him. Of course he also said what he had to say, for example that he would now support his successor. But every fiber of his body seemed to twitch with the pain of being sidelined, so to speak, before the right time. He talked about his government achievements for minutes, as if to say: I was a successful head of government, but the idiots in my group didn’t understand that.
Before lunch, the 96-year-old monarch accepted Johnson’s resignation letter at her summer residence in Balmoral, Scotland. A good half hour later she commissioned Truss, who had also made her way through the Scottish fog in an off-road vehicle, with the formation of a new government. Truss and Johnson had taken different planes to Aberdeen – in the event of a crash the country should at least have one prime minister left.

In the evening, Truss presented her decision-making side again. In staccato she announced cabinet details. She appointed her long-time confidante Therese Coffey, who was previously Secretary of Labor, as deputy (and new Minister of Health). James Cleverly, who had previously worked in the Foreign Office, became Secretary of State. Home Secretary Priti Patel will be replaced by Attorney General Suella Braverman. The previous Economics Minister Kwasi Kwarteng, also a long-time companion of Truss, is promoted to Chancellor of the Exchequer. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, who declined to run for Johnson’s successor despite popular support, is retaining his portfolio, while key supporters of Truss’ rival Rishi Sunak, including Attorney General Dominik Rab and Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps, have lost their jobs.



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