Truss defeated Rishi Sunak by 57% to 43%, lower than Boris Johnson’s victory in 2019. While comfortable on paper, Truss’ margin of victory was not nearly as emphatic as forecast, or in line with many of the polls throughout the leadership contest, which put her in the mid 60% range. This may factor into Truss’ decisions on Cabinet appointments and handling of the Parliamentary Party, given she commanded the lowest support of MPs and of the membership since Iain Duncan Smith in 2001.
Despite this, Sunak failed to truly land a substantial glove on Truss throughout the contest with his cautious approach advocating tax cuts only when inflation is under control, far less popular amongst the membership than Liz Truss’ small-state and tax-cutting Conservatism.
Truss takes on the mantle of leadership with an in-tray that few would envy. Inflation forecast to hit over double digits, war in Europe and the predicted recession means that Truss will have to hit the ground running if she is to make any headway and improve the Conservative Party’s prospects for the next election.
Please see below for the analysis from our Edelman Global Advisory team. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like further information or to discuss how Edelman can help support your engagement with the Government and the wider Conservative Party.