The Conservative Party (also known as the Tories) has announced that Liz Truss will replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Of the 172,000 votes of party members, 57% supported Truss, who beat her rival Rishi Sunak. Truss will become the third female Prime Minister in the country’s history, after visiting Queen Elizabeth on Tuesday.

In her first speech, Liz Truss said she would work to address the economic challenges (with an inflation of over 10%) and the energy crisis. The former Foreign Minister said she believes “in freedom, in the ability to control your own life, in low taxes, in personal responsibility”.

The Ukraine war and the migration crisis are also important challenges to be addressed by the new head of government.

Reactions from Christian leaders

Christians were among the many that reacted to the news of Truss’ election as head of the government.

Gavin Calver, CEO the Evangelical Alliance (EAUK) said on Twitter: “Please join me in praying for our new Prime Minister. Leadership is always hard & it’s difficult to imagine a more challenging set of circumstances for a new PM to have to take on. Cost of living crisis, industrial action, war in Ukraine… the list feels endless”.

Please join me in praying for our new Prime Minister, @trussliz. Leadership is always hard & it’s difficult to imagine a more challenging set of circumstances for a new PM to have to take on. Cost of living crisis, industrial action, war in Ukraine… the list feels endless  pic.twitter.com/HjCrcyc2QX

— Gavin Calver (@GavCalver) September 5, 2022

Another Christian representative expressing his prayers for the next Prime Minister was Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the Anglican Church: “I am praying for Liz Truss as she takes on the great responsibilities of leadership at a time of such significant challenges. May God guide her, and all who serve in our political life, towards His hope for our nation, and particular care for those who are vulnerable”.

After the incumbent Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation, leaders of churches and Christian organisations in the UK called to bring back personal integrity and truth to the leadership of the country. “Our new PM must strive to be a model of moral integrity and good character”, said John Libby of the preaching ministry Langham Partnership.

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