Champion backs petition calling for general election to end Liz Truss' "government chaos"

The petition’s organiser, Darrin Charlesworth, said he had created the petition to “end the chaos of the current government”. 

As of October 6, the petition amassed a total 558,710 supporters — with only 100,000 needed for a debate to be triggered in Parliament. 

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion has been vocal in her support for a general election to give the country “stability” but said she did not expect the prime minister would not be forthcoming.

“No one can be in any doubt that this Government are clueless when it comes to the economy,” she said. 

“Now, more than ever, this country needs financial stability — instead Truss has decided to prioritise the wealthiest at the expense of those who need it most.  

“The most bitter pill to swallow is that only Truss can decide when to call an election, and why would she do that willingly when she's just secured the power she has craved for so long?”

The government responded to the petition by stating it already had a “mandate to run the country” when the Tories won the 2019 general election. 

A government spokesperson said: “The United Kingdom is a Parliamentary democracy, not a Presidential one. 

“Following the general election of December 2019, members of parliament of the governing party (the Conservative Party) were elected, such that there is a majority in the House of Commons.

“This remains the case. 

“A change in the leader of the governing party does not trigger a general election, which this has been the case under governments of successive political colours.

“In her speech of September 6, the new prime minister set out three early priorities: to grow Britain’s economy, deal with the energy crisis caused by Putin’s war, and putting the national health service on a firm footing. 

“The Prime Minister is determined to address the challenges the country faces and ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations.”

You can view and sign the petition here: https://tinyurl.com/General-election.