Oldham politicians criticise Liz Truss for speech ‘devoid from reality’

In the speech in Birmingham on Wednesday, Ms Truss promised to steer the country through the “tempest” and “get Britain moving”.

The PM also criticised an “anti-growth coalition” for holding the country back, which she said included Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, Unions, thinktanks, talking heads, Brexit deniers, and Extinction Rebellion.

Some protesters who held up a flag reading “who voted for this?” at the start of the PM's speech were ejected.

Ms Truss also accused them of being part of the “anti-growth coalition".

It’s been a difficult period for the new PM, who has seen poll numbers plummet after being in the job for just more than a month – with even some of her own supporters, including former cabinet minister Nadine Dorries, turning against her.

Shortly ahead of her speech, YouGov released polling suggesting Ms Truss is already more unpopular than Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn ever were.

PA Graphics (Image: PA Graphics)

Oldham’s politicians have been scathing.

Jim McMahon, Labour MP

Reacting to the speech, Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon said: “Liz Truss’ speech at the Conservative Party conference was yet another indication that this government is completely out of touch with working people in Chadderton, Oldham and Royton.

“She has been at the heart of a Conservative government that has spent 12 years building a low wage, low growth economy and working families will be paying the price for years to come as mortgages hit their highest levels for 14 years while food and fuel prices remain sky high.

“The Tories need to reverse their kamikaze trickle-down economics budget immediately and instead focus on what they can do to help ordinary working people keep their heads above water.

“This economic crisis is a Tory crisis, made in Downing Street and paid for by working people in Chadderton, Oldham & Royton.”

Debbie Abrahams, Labour MP

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, added: “The Prime Minister's speech was vacuous, and devoid from reality.”

Angela Rayner, Labour MP

The deputy leader of the Labour Party, Failsworth and Ashton MP Angela Rayner, Tweeted: “After years of Tory chaos, Liz Truss promises disruption.

"Instead of stability, she'll bring turbulence. Instead of security, she’ll bring danger.

“When our country needs a plan, all she offers is incompetence. But where there’s a cost, she’ll make sure you pay it.”

Oldham Conservatives

Oldham Conservatives spokesman, Cllr Dave Arnott, has hit back at Mr McMahon's criticism.

He said: "Mr McMahon’s comments are predictably light on detail.  

"There is a global financial crisis caused by Vladimir Putin’s illegal and immoral invasion of the Ukraine which comes at a time when economies around the world are already struggling to balance the huge financial consequences of the pandemic.     

"Perhaps it would have been to our MPs credit if he had at least pointed out that thousands of residents and businesses in Chadderton, Oldham and Royton were supported throughout the pandemic by the government on a scale never seen before in peacetime.

"Or that the government has pledged hundreds of billions of pounds to support individuals, businesses, and the economy, with the introduction of the Energy Price Guarantee, the reduction in National Insurance contributions, reversing the increase in the rate of corporation tax and a planned reduction in the basic rate of personal income tax which will benefit hard working people in Oldham.   

"Additionally, thousands of households in the Borough will have, or will benefit directly from government grants to assist them with the cost of living and rising fuel bills at this very difficult time.

"This statement appears to be nothing more than a series of 'headlines' copied and pasted from the press and cobbled together.  

"It is very disappointing."

The Oldham Liberal Democrats have been approached for a comment.