This is a past event. Registration is closed. View other Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria events.
The United Kingdom now has its third ever female prime minister, after Liz Truss was received by Queen Elizabeth II in her last official function. Truss was elected as leader by grassroots members of the Conservatives to lead the party – and hence the nation – on a platform that positioned her as the continuity candidate from Boris Johnson.
Members of the Conservative party will be delighted that the continuity candidate got over the line. Similarly, strategists for the opposition parties – Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party – will also be delighted. In electing Liz Truss as leader, Conservative members have increased their party's chances of losing the next general election.
This is because Truss essentially offers more of the same. Although Boris Johnson bequeaths Truss an imposing 73-seat majority, she enters 10 Downing Street at a moment when the views of the Conservative party and the experience of the wider electorate - in the throes of a cost-of-living crisis - are diverging.
What other challenges does Liz Truss face? What does this mean for Australia? Are there any implications for AUKUS, or the UK's 'tilt' towards the Indo-Pacific?
AIIA Victoria welcomes back Dr Ben Wellings for his insights into the UK's new political leadership, and its implications for bilateral relations with Australia.
We gratefully acknowledge the Walter Mangold Trust Fund for its ongoing support of our young members.
This event will be held both in person at Dyason House, and online. To download the pdf flyer please click here.
Sponsors and Partners
