TRUSS STARTS WITH TRIPLE BLITZ

DZ ENERGY BILLS, TAX CUTS AND RED TAPE TOP PRIORITIES IN FIRST DAYS

- Nicholas Cecil and Rachael Burford

LIZ TRUSS is to take the axe to sky-rocketing energy bills, taxes and red tape in an “unashamed” dash for economic growth, a key ally said today on her first day as Prime Minister.

Treasury minister Simon Clarke said there would be a “bold and decisive” intervention on gas and electricity bills to protect households and businesses and send a clear message to Vladimir Putin that his attempts to “freeze” the West’s resolve to support Ukraine would fail. "There will be no half measures," he told ITV's Good Morning Britain, amid reports of a package of support totalling possibly £100 billion to freeze the domestic energy cap at around £1,971 and also offer help for firms.

He also appeared to signal cuts in some Whitehall departments by stressing that the new Government would focus “action on both tax and spend”, would stick with plans to shift funding from the NHS to social care, with less focus also going to be put on redistributing wealth. He fleshed out the direction of the new Government as Boris Johnson was making his farewell speech in Downing Street, before flying to Scotland for his resignation audience with the Queen at Balmoral.

Shortly after Mr Johnson had left the royal residence, Ms Truss was due to arrive for a ceremony with the Queen as she is appointed Prime Minister.