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Liz Truss took a “Spinal Tap approach” to running the country, says a former aide during her disastrous premiership – to make as much noise as possible whatever the risks.
Asa Bennett likened the former prime minister’s tactics to the popular mockumentary about a spoof heavy metal band whose amplifiers were infamously were “one louder” than the standard 10.
The former speechwriter said Ms Truss was warned about the risks ahead of her infamous tax-slashing mini-budget – which crashed the financial markets – but trusted her instincts.
She believed it was “the moment to put rocket boosters on the economy and get growth going “ and was always “someone who would always try and take things up a notch”.
“I think she always liked to be the one that was ready to push the envelope and would only back down if there was good reason,” Mr Bennett told a BBC Radio 4 documentary.
“I think Liz was someone who would take this sort of Spinal Tap approach, turn it up to 11 and, only if necessary, turn it down again.”
Mr Bennett was asked whether Ms Truss regretted her approach, which forced her out of No 10 after just seven weeks after a revolt by Conservative MPs triggered her resignation.
“I think Liz felt that she’s gambled before in her life and then she could gamble again on this. And yes, the stakes would be high, but the pay-off was worth it in the sense of taking that fast action,” he said.
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