Liz Truss reportedly considered cutting free cancer treatment on the NHS when her mini-budget was scrapped, prompting advisers to exclaim: “She has lost her way.”
Historian Sir Anthony Seldon’s book about Mrs Truss’ tumultuous 49 days in Downing Street claims aides were told the former prime minister was considering far-reaching cuts so she could present your tax reduction agenda.
The plan, outlined by then Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in the House of Commons, caused turbulence in the financial markets and plunged the government into a desperate struggle for its survival.
Extracts from Truss at 10: How Not to Be Prime Minister, published in The Independent, said adviser Alex Boyd “was told that Truss and Kwarteng were thinking they could still solve the black hole with severe cuts”.
The book continued: “We are told that they are trying to prevent cancer treatment in the NHS,’ they told him.
“‘Is she serious?’ Boyd asked. ‘She’s lost her way,’ they replied. ‘She’s screaming at everyone – us and the authorities that we have to find the money!’ When we tell her it can’t be done, she screams back: ‘It’s not true. The money is there. You go and find it.’”
The Express has contacted Ms Truss’ office for comment.