In exactly one month, Britain will have a new head of government. According to polls, Secretary of State Liz Truss is the big favourite. His opponent, Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, was given the opportunity on Thursday night to draw Conservative Party members in a televised debate.

Not only is Liz Truss leading the race for Downing Street, but her lead is now so great that the public is wondering whether it would not be better for Sunak to surrender voluntarily,” said British correspondent Lia van Bekhoven, who followed the debate.

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And that lead has good reason, Van Bekhoven thought. Prior to the debate, the Bank of England warned of a protracted recession, and Prime Minister candidate Truss showed firmness in the debate. And that was one of the reasons Truss’ popularity among party members. He has an unwavering optimism, just like Boris Johnson.’

‘Economic Devil’

Van Bekhoven continued: ‘He basically said ‘what the Bank of England predicts may not come true’, and ‘Prime Minister Truss can cast out economic demons’. He therefore takes a very different approach from Sunak.’

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According to Van Bekhoven, Sunak had a more realistic view of the British monetary situation; he said that all the red lights in the British economy were due to inflation. ‘Where Sunak brings more of the same, Truss is radical. Someone who wants change, just as he has changed his own position over the years with regards to Brexit, Ukraine, the monarchy, etc.’

Choice

The choice is now up to members of the Conservative party, according to Van Bekhoven. ‘The choice is between a reasonable and stable candidate who promises more of the same and a more unpredictable and attractive front-runner who takes more risks. Sunak is the winner of the debate, but Truss still has the best chance to replace Johnson.’