Liz Truss, the UK’s current foreign secretary, was attending a crowded event in Norwich, England, to drum up support among Conservative Party members who would choose between her and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak to succeed Boris Johnson as party leader. in September.
“President (Emmanuel) Macron – friend or foe?” asked the moderator, Julia Hartley-Brewer. Truss replied, “The jury’s out!”
Her answer sparked applause from the audience. “But if I become prime minister, I will judge him by deeds, not words,” Truss continued.
Britain and France are close allies of NATO. However, they have been embroiled in a series of controversies since the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, particularly over fishing rights and the crossing of migrants in the English Channel.
Truss, who initially supported remaining in the European Union in 2016, has changed lines and now supports Brexit – saying her pre-referendum fears that it could cause “turmoil” were wrong.
The leadership race saw Truss pledge to cut taxes, tear up EU regulations and encourage private sector growth with low corporate taxes. She said she would not impose a windfall tax on energy companies even though they are making huge profits during the cost of living and energy crisis.
Polling ends on September 2, and results will be announced on September 5. The winner becomes the party leader and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
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