Liz Truss has this afternoon announced that she will be stepping down as Prime Minister after a chaotic six weeks in the top job.
The resignation makes her the UK's shortest-serving Prime Minister to have ever held residence at no.10 Downing Street, having spent just 44 days in office.
Speaking outside her official residence in a live televised speech, Ms Truss said that she could no longer continue on the mandate that she had been elected to carry out and therefore would be stepping down.
Blaming turbulent economic conditions for the trouble her government has run into, she said in her resignation speech: "I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability.
"Families and businesses we worried about how to pay their bills. Putin's illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent. And our country has been held back for too long by low economic growth.
"I was elected by the Conservative party with a mandate to change this. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance, and we set out a vision for a low tax, high growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit.
"I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the conservative party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative party."
Her resignation follows the sudden resignation of Home Secretary Suella Braverman last night, and a disorderly fracking vote in the House of Commons last night that allegedly saw some Conservative MPs manhandled into the voting chamber.
Earlier today, Sir Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 Committee, was seen visiting the PM earlier today, reports The Manc.
Following the PM's resignation, a new leadership contest will now take place within the Conservative party next week, with Liz Truss staying in post as the Prime Minister until then.
The news follows a turbulent six weeks that saw Truss oversee an unfunded and calamitous 'mini budget', which wreaked havoc on the UK economy and ultimately led the PM to sack her Chancellor.
More to follow...
UK News
Sheffield shortlisted in the final four to be UK City of Culture 2029
Sheffield has been shortlisted to be the UK City of Culture 2029.
It's great news for Sheffield, as the city has made it into the final four to be considered as the UK City of Culture for 2029.
Sheffield is included alongside Blackpool, Milton Keynes and Wrexham.
All four cities will now receive £125,000 to move forward with their bids, with £10 million going to the overall winner.
The title is currently held by Bradford, and is awarded every four years.
The brilliant news follows months of work by partners, cultural organisations, artists, communities, businesses and residents from across the city, who have come together behind a shared vision for Sheffield's cultural future.
Image: The Sheff
Sheffield's bid celebrates the city's rich industrial heritage and reputation as a place where creativity thrives.
The next step? Each shortlisted city will welcome the expert panel of judges and present their proposals, before the eventual winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is announced in early 2027
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news for Sheffield and a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape our bid.
"Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit. From our world-renowned music heritage and vibrant independent arts scene to our festivals, libraries, theatres, museums, galleries and grassroots creativity, culture is part of who we are.
"This recognition reflects the incredible talent, energy and ambition that exists across our city. We look forward to taking our bid to the next stage and continuing to showcase everything that makes Sheffield such a special place."
Surriya Falconer, Chair of Sheffield Culture Collective, said: "Sheffield has the expertise, capability and ambition to deliver a programme that engages and benefits all communities.
"Our city has immense cultural capital and a rich heritage spanning the full spectrum of creative endeavour, making a significant contribution to our economy, our wellbeing and the quality of our lives."
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
20th October 2022 
