UK PM resigns after 45 days: Why, what she said and what happens next

Liz Truss resigned as British Prime Minister just 45 days after being appointed, brought down by an economic program that sent shockwaves through financial markets last month and divided her Conservative Party.

Speaking outside the door of Number 10 Downing Street on Thursday afternoon, Truss accepted she could not deliver the promises she made when she was running for Conservative leader, having lost the faith of her party.

Truss was elected by the Tory membership in September, but lost authority after a series of U-turns, sackings and resignations.

A leadership election will be completed by October 28 to replace Truss, who is the shortest serving prime minister in UK history. George Canning previously held the record, serving for just 119 days before he died in 1827.

(AFP）