Jenrick rebukes Truss for 'cack-handed' mini-Budget

Robert Jenrick yesterday launched a scathing attack on Liz Truss's disastrous mini-Budget, describing it as “careless” and “un-conservative” as the party attempts to rebuild public trust after its difficult recent past.

- MILLIE COOKE

Addressing a packed-out room at the Conservative Party conference, the shadow justice secretary said former prime minister Ms Truss had made “big mistakes” when her mini-Budget spooked the financial markets in 2022 and led to a spike in mortgage rates and her eventual resignation.

Mr Jenrick also dismissed any speculation about his potential leadership ambitions, telling his audience Kemi Badenoch would lead the Tories into the next election.

The Conservative Party is currently attempting to win back trust with its members and the wider public, particularly on the economy and migration - with the conference’s slogan this year being, “Stronger Economy, Stronger Borders”.

But a new poll conducted by YouGov for Sky News found that half of all Conservative members think Ms Badenoch should not lead the party into the next election.

The poll of 652 Conservative members, taken between 26 September and 2 October, found 46 per cent think the current Tory leader should stay in place when the country next goes to the polls, while 50 per cent say she should not.