FOLLOWING Liz Truss being confirmed as the new Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party, we asked the Tamar Valley to provide their opinions on the announcement and their thoughts for the future of the country.

Andrew Long, Cornwall Councillor and Mebyon Kernow’s representative for Callington and St Dominick said: ‘I think that the proof will be in the pudding.

‘It’s whether she walks the walk.

‘We need them to meet the promises that they made to the people.

‘It is going to be vital that the new PM keeps the promise the government has made to Cornwall on fair funding.

‘The one thing she could do now is end the reckless and expensive rush to push an elected mayor on Cornwall but to use the money to protect the vulnerable who rightly feel abandoned by the Conservatives in Cornwall and Westminster.’

Sheryll Murray, Conservative MP for South East Cornwall said: ‘I supported Truss, I voted for her and I’m very pleased that she is becoming Prime Minister and I look forward to seeing how she will implement policy. Cost of living is obviously on the top of everyone’s list’.

Isabel Saxby, Bere Alston said: ‘I think that it’s great that we have a female Prime Minister. I think it’s a step in the right direction for women.

‘But, she was very hesitant and really not straight forward, especially about climate change.

‘She needs to be clearer on solutions. She is only scratching the surface.

‘Changing the leader won’t affect anything.

‘Both Truss and Sunak were vying for party interest. They were both very derogatory. Truss was very harsh on British workers.

‘If she did freeze energy bills then she’d be very popular.

‘I just want someone that cares’.

John Wells, Councillor for Delaware said: ‘She has a tough job in front of her.

‘But as a nation we can only hope she quickly gets to grips with the huge problems facing us all.’

Mike Tagg, Callington Portreeve and Mayor said: ‘I’m pleased. We need things to happen.

‘The way things are going is unsustainable and the opposition (captain hindsight) only criticises but adds nothing constructive.’

Jim Wakem, Calstock Parish Council Chair and Councillor for Gunnislake said: ‘I feel we are the forgotten part of Cornwall.

‘The Government needs to look at what’s happening in East Cornwall.

‘I don’t think tax cuts are a good idea’.

Alex Polglase, Callington Foodbank coordinator said:

‘I hope she addresses the cost of living crisis...we have seen usage pretty much double since the pandemic ‘ended’ and if energy prices along with inflation continue to climb I can only see use of foodbanks continuing to increase.’

See more reaction to Liz Truss’ appointment on page 41.