10 things that lasted longer than Liz Truss as PM – from Big Sam to Jedward
Liz Truss today announced her resignation after a chaotic 44-day premiership which saw her lose the confidence of Tory MPs and ignite an economic turmoil like no other. She has become the shortest-serving Prime Minister in British history – coming before George Canning, who died in 1827 after 119 days in the post.
This record-breaking period has prompted many social media users to think about what has lasted longer, poking fun at Ms Truss’ short spell inside No 10. Speaking from a lectern outside Downing Street earlier today, the PM announced she had told the King she was resigning as the Conservative Party leader as she recognised she “cannot deliver the mandate” that Tory members gave her little over six weeks ago.
Here, we take a look at things that have outlived Ms Truss’ time as PM – from magician David Blaine who survived without food in a perspex box for the same amount of time to B&Q’s generous returns policy that outlives her tenure.
Reality competition contestants
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David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock for NTA)
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Getty Images)
Just May, ‘the premier Geri Halliwell impersonator’ of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 4, admitted that even they lasted longer slaying on the BBC show than the country’s PM did in power.
The drag queen tweeted: “I lasted longer on @dragraceukbbc than Liz Truss will as PM…”
Meanwhile, favourite reality TV star Ekinsu Cülcüloğlu spent eight weeks – 56 days – in the ITV2 Love Island villa this summer after entering as a ‘bombshell’ on day three. She was crowned winner alongside her boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti.
The iconic duo of Jedward also this afternoon tweeted: “We lasted longer on Xfactor than Liz truss as Prime Minister!”
Tory leadership race
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Conservative Home)
Even the Conservative Party leadership race lasted longer than Truss’ premiership.
Following the resignation of Boris Johnson in July, the election was held between July 12 and September 5 – meaning it went on for 10 days longer.
It saw ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak come in second place.
Big Sam
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PA)
Sam Allardyce, colloquially referred to as Big Sam, was in the top spot as England’s manager for longer that Truss’ time in power, lasting 67 days.
The ex-football pro has been criticised for alleged corruption and has twice been the subject of undercover media investigations.
Following an investigation by the Daily Telegraph, Allardyce resigned as England manager in a mutual agreement with the Football Association on September 27, 2016.
Kim K’s second marriage
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Getty Images)
In 2011, eight years after her first divorce, Kim walked down the aisle again with Kris Humphries, who was then a basketball player.
The glamorous wedding was broadcasted on their reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
However the couple split after 72 days of marriage.
B&Q returns policy
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Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Homeware and DIY store B&Q boasts a generous returns policy, lasting longer than Truss’ historic 44 days.
Their website states: “If you change your mind, you can return your B&Q purchase to us, in its original condition, within 90 days – just bring your receipt, order confirmation or sales invoice with you.”
And it’s a close call with the annual McDonald’s Monopoly game, which this year took place between September 7 and recently came to a close on October 17 – just a couple of days before Truss called it quits.
House of Dragon season one
Sky’s much-awaited Game of Thrones spin-off has outlived Truss’ premiership too – even landing on screens before she was appointed in office.
The 10-episode long series launched on August 21, with a new episode released every Monday since.
The final episode is to air this Sunday.
British passport
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Getty Images)
It’s actually a longer process for Brits to get hold of a new passport than it was for Truss to carry out her role.
The Government warns of a 10-week waiting time, which equates to 70 days.
Earthquake in Turkey
An earthquake in Turkey outlasted Truss as PM.
Back in the summer of 2016, a big earthquake struck northwestern Turkey and despite it lasting for 50 days, not a single soul felt it.
According to a study in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, the temblor was a very peculiar type of earthquake known as a slow slip event.
But even that had more oomph than Truss.
David Blaine in Perspex box
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ExpressStar)
American illusionist David Blaine spent 44 days suspended in a glass box by the River Thames in London without food.
On the day he came out, he broke down in tears as he told the waiting crowd: “This has been one of the most important experiences in my life.”
The magician described suffering from severe heart palpitations, blurred vision and breathing difficulties.
His painful fasting lasted for the same amount of time as Truss did as the country’s Prime Minister.
The Daily Star lettuce
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Daily Star)
The Daily Star lettuce captured the hearts and memes of the people on its way to victory.
The humble vegetable, which cost 60p from the supermarket, was left out of the fridge and still managed to beat Truss.
During its live feed, the lettuce was seen eating Greggs, sipping tea and even had a rave.
What do you think to Liz Truss’ resignation? Let us know in the comments.