Leer en Español
Conservative politician Liz Truss became this Tuesday the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the third woman to hold that position, after being formally commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
In an act of protocol known as “the kissing hands” —although the practice is limited to a bow or a handshake—, of which Buckingham Palace released a photo, the monarch asked Truss to form a new government, whose composition will be announced in the coming hours.
Minutes after 12.00 local time (11.00 GMT), the hitherto Foreign Minister arrived at Balmoral Castle, where for the first time in her reign Elizabeth II has appointed a new head of government.
In the meeting alone between the Queen and Truss, perfectly scheduled as it happens with the political traditions of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II asked the aspirant to form a new administration, to which the aspirant usually responds with a simple “yes”.
Shortly before, the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had presented his formal resignation to the monarch, after having announced on July 7 his intention to step down.
Truss won the primary elections held during August within the Conservative Party to elect its new leader, who automatically assumes the leadership of the Executive thanks to his parliamentary majority.
The picture shows a smiling monarch helped by a cane while shaking hands with the Tory leader.
The event was held at the Scottish residence of the Royal Household due to the mobility problems suffered by Elizabeth II, according to the Palace.
After the meeting, Truss will head to London, where she will make her first speech as head of the Government at the gates of her residence in Downing Street.
Subsequently, the composition of her Executive is expected to be known, with the current Minister of Enterprise, Kwasi Kwarteng, as the great favorite to occupy the Economy portfolio and therefore the unofficial title of “number two” of the Cabinet.
