Sleepless nights, 4 am texts & hurried discussions: What transpired hours before UK PM Liz Truss’s resignation

Former British Prime Minister, Liz Truss’s untimely resignation has triggered a spectrum of reactions across the Internet. While the decision seems hasty, it seems there was a flurry of meetings, engagements and deliberations in the run-up to the decisive moment.

Reportedly, hours before Truss announced her resignation, Downing Street, which houses the official residence of the Prime Minister, was the centre of all the action. It has been reported that ahead of her resignation, several activities took place at Downing Street, as the PM met her closest aides to discuss the way forward.

Much before her formal resignation, the House of Commons witnessed a commotion, precisely a heated argument between ministers that lasted for over 90 minutes. The day also witnessed the resignation of Suella Braverman as the UK Home Secretary.


A Look At The PM’s Last Day
Several reports have hinted that Truss, who took over as Britain’s Prime Minister at a time when the country was reeling from an economic crisis, had a tough time before the unprecedented move. The 47-year-old politician reportedly had several sleepless nights and had been in touch with her closest allies through the night and even as late or early as 4 am. Most of her allies were aware that she would arrive at a decision sooner.

According to a report in the British tabloid Daily Mail, an ally of Truss revealed that she had a sense of it all coming to an end by 4 am. "It’s never a good sign to be texting people at 4 am and by that point, she seemed to have realised it was probably over," the ally, close to the former PM, was quoted as saying by the British media house.

Hours before the exit, Truss reportedly gathered all her allies and discussed her exit in the cabinet. The members informed her to speak to the 1922 Committee chairman Graham Brady, to assess if there was any scope before agreeing to succession.

The Great Huddle
On the same day, around 11: 40 am Brady was summoned to the Prime Minister’s residence. Around the same time, a spokesperson of the PM informed reporters waiting outside that Truss will be fighting on. The meeting between Brady and Truss was joined by Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey who arrived around 12:25 PM. Later, they were joined by party chairman Sir Jake Berry who has been tasked to oversee the contest for a new leader.

Around 1:15 PM, media persons were informed that Truss was about to make a statement in 15 minutes. A few minutes later, Truss arrived with her husband Hugh O’Leary and announced her resignation. Interestingly the whole appearance and announcement concluded in a matter of 90 seconds.