It never happened to Winston Churchill or Margaret Thatcher, but Liz Truss will begin her time as prime minister with some confusion about her identity among some, including a prime minister, who were keen to offer their congratulations on social media. As soon as Truss won the race to become Tory leader and the new prime minister, Sweden’s prime minister Magdalena Andersson tweeted a message of goodwill to @liztruss. “Congratulations to Liz Truss, who will assume the role of Prime Minister of Great Britain. Sweden and Great Britain will continue our deep and extensive cooperation. It is important to our citizens, economies and security,” she wrote.
Unfortunately, the Twitter handle in question has belonged to a woman called Liz Trussell since 2009, with the new leader of global Britain having to make do with @trussliz. But Trussell displayed a quick wit by replying that she was “Looking forward to a visit soon!” and suggesting that Andersson “Get the meatballs ready”. Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton, tweeted @LizTruss with the jibe that she “still doesn’t get it” and that “she’s campaigned as a rightwing ideologue & will govern as such – which is a disaster for all of us”.
The Swedish PM deleted her tweet but Lucas later apologised for her confusion. ‘Apologies, my previous tweet about #ToryLeadership should have been directed to @trussliz – not Liz Trussell who tweets at @Liztruss – tho frankly she’d probably make a better job of it’
Sky presenter Sophy Ridge enjoyed the sport, tweeting that Trussell was “living her best life” replying to all the misdirected tweets.
These also included one from the Right of Centre UK online news and current affairs magazine which tweeted that @liztruss was the “Best person for the job”.
One Twitter user called on Trussell to be made the new prime minister instead and called for an audience with the Queen. Trussell replied: “Yes!!!!!! Me & Queen Liz would deffo be besties”.
Another said Trussell should at least be invited for tea with the monarch, to which she replied “@RoyalFamily I’m available tomorrow”.