Rishi Sunak’s first speech as Prime Minister was one of longest delivered in Downing Street by a newly appointed prime minister in recent decades.
The freshly appointed Conservative leader warned the UK is facing a “profound economic crisis” in his first speech after being asked to form a Government by the King.
Over an hour after Ms Truss defended her botched economic strategy in her farewell speech from the Downing Street, Mr Sunak stood outside No 10 criticising her brief and chaotic tenure.
He spoke for five minutes and 56 seconds – longer than the time taken by nearly all of his predecessors when they made similar remarks at the start of their premiership.
The one exception is Boris Johnson, who spoke for 11 minutes and 13 seconds in Downing Street after being appointed prime minister in 2019.
9. Newly elected leader of the Conservative Party Rishi Sunak, arrives at Buckingham Palace
Newly elected leader of the Conservative Party Rishi Sunak, arrives at Buckingham Palace, London, for an audience with King Charles III where he will be invited to become Prime Minister and form a new government. Photo: Yui Mok
10. Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street, London
Rishi Sunak makes a speech outside 10 Downing Street, London, after meeting King Charles III and accepting his invitation to become Prime Minister and form a new government. Photo: Gareth Fuller
11. Rishi Sunak walking outside 10 Downing Street, London
A different lectern to the one used by Liz Truss in her resignation speech was installed outside 10 Downing Street for Rishi Sunak’s first address as prime minister. Photo: Gareth Fuller
12. Outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss, with her husband Hugh O'Leary, is greeted by King Charles III's equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson
Outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss, with her husband Hugh O'Leary, is greeted by King Charles III's equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, as she arrives at Buckingham Palace, London, for an audience with King Charles III to formally resign as PM. Photo: Yui Mok