Liz Truss has launched a blistering attack on her own Conservative Party, claiming it has been 'ideologically captured' by 'DEI' (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and branding business leaders who avoid politics as 'cowards'. The former prime minister made the remarks during a sweary Q&A session at CPAC GB, a spinoff of the US pro-Trump conference she is hosting in London this week.
Truss Blasts Prime Minister Turnover and COVID Restrictions
Truss complained about the rapid turnover of British prime ministers, of which she is the most prominent example. 'We've had seven prime ministers in ten years. That's the equivalent of a crap football team changing its manager all the time but not changing what happens on the pitch,' she said. Five of those seven prime ministers have been Conservative, and Truss served the shortest term of them all.
She also expressed concern about COVID-19 restrictions, stating, 'What worried me with COVID was not only did people go along with it they reported their neighbours, they reported their friends.'
Call for 'Parallel Institutions' and 'Parallel Media'
Truss argued for the establishment of 'parallel institutions' and 'parallel media' to combat what she claimed is a left-wing bias in the British civil service. She urged successful individuals in finance, bitcoin, and property to enter politics and take over key institutions such as the immigration department, foreign office, and local police forces.
'I don't think the right's movement has developed enough to have that pool of people,' she added. 'I think there are people I could mention, there might be people in this room, who could serve. But do we have the organised group, no we don't.'
Criticism of Business Leaders and Prediction of Labour Leader's Future
Truss criticized business leaders who have avoided politics, saying, 'Their success will mean nothing if the country is ground into the ground. That's the point. A lot of people have opted out of politics... it's time for the successful people in Britain who actually care about the future of our country to step up. To stop being such cowards because at the moment they're being cowards.' She teased that next year she would 'name names.' When reminded of the risks of entering politics, she retorted, 'Yeah, no s**t.'
Truss also predicted that Labour leader Andy Burnham will not remain in his position until the next general election and suggested he would lead Britain into a 'financial crisis.' 'The money's going to run out. I think the problems with migration are going to get worse, and the general decay and stagnation of Britain is going to continue. I think the question is how long the pro-progressive authorities can continue. My prediction is that there will be another prime minister before 2029,' she said.
CPAC GB Attendance and Internal Tory Row
Truss's CPAC GB event has faced poor attendance, with barely a third of seats in the 500-capacity hall occupied for her morning session. More attendees are expected in the afternoon for Nigel Farage's first speech since forcing a by-election in Clacton. The event has sparked a row within the Tory party over whether Conservative MPs should share a stage with Reform rivals, including Suella Braverman and failed by-election candidate Matt Goodwin. Reform's London mayoral candidate Layla Cunningham spoke immediately before Truss on stage.
Yesterday, Andrew Griffith, a member of Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet, spoke at the conference. It is understood his speech and appearance were not cleared with Badenoch's office ahead of time. The Conservative Party declined to comment.
