ELECTION OF THE RT HON ELIZABETH TRUSS MP
As the Leader of the Liberal Party and on behalf of the Federal Opposition, I congratulate the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP on her election as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Liz during the Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations in January 2022 when I was Defence Minister and she was Foreign Secretary.
Liz is an incredibly intelligent, pragmatic and courageous leader who will not only make a fine Prime Minister but also lead Britain through challenges domestic and foreign.
Liz understands that the resurgence of authoritarianism poses one of the greatest threats to our times. Her speech last December on Britain’s desire to build a network of liberty and advance the frontiers of freedom spoke to her love of country, reverence for democracy and the value she places on partnerships.
In these testing times, Liz will be the strongest of leaders to advance mutual security and economic objectives with Australia, including through AUKUS.
I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the legacy and achievements of Boris Johnson – a true friend to Australia. Speaking in 2017 about the Australia-UK relationship he said, “Never in history has there been such a happy, swollen, distance-obliterating pipeline of people and ideas and goods and services, and as that flow increases in pace and volume let us remember that our success is made possible and guaranteed by the ideals we share.”
I would also like to acknowledge the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP and wish him well.
As we welcome a new British Prime Minister and say farewell to another, Australia and the United Kingdom remain the best of partners and the dearest of friends.
5 September 2022