Friday brief: In Liz we trust? Not anymore

More drama from Westminster, news in brief from across the county and some things to do this weekend

After another dramatic day in Westminster, the resignation of Liz Truss means the country is set to have its third prime minister in the space of four months.

Truss, who was in charge for just 44 days before quitting, lurched from one crisis to another and quickly lost the support of her party. However just a few short months ago some of Northamptonshire’s Conservative MPs and councillors were certain she was the right person to lead the country.

In August, Wellingborough MP Peter Bone posted a tweet asking local party members to vote for her. This was retweeted by leader of North Northamptonshire Council Jason Smithers. It said:

“I am certain Liz Truss is the best person to be our next prime minister”

Tom Pursglove the MP for Corby said in July:

“I’m proud to be backing Liz Truss to be the next Conservative leader and prime minister. She’s best placed to deliver on the key issues that matter to Corby [and East Northants] including a new credible economic plan, properly controlling our borders and making our streets safer.”

Kettering MP Philip Hollobone told NN Journal last week that he still backed Truss and yesterday morning he told BBC Radio Northampton that he had confidence in the leader and that everyone should calm down. 

NN Journal tried to contact Bone, Pursglove and Hollobone yesterday afternoon but none answered the phone. 

Unless the situation changes, a new prime minister is set to be chosen by the end of next week.

News in brief:

• Anne Sacoolas has pleaded guilty to killing Northamptonshire teenager Harry Dunn by careless driving. The American who claimed diplomatic immunity after the incident near RAF Croughton in 2019, entered a guilty plea at the Old Bailey via video link yesterday. Harry’s mother Charlotte Charles told Sky News she was relieved to finally see Sacoolas in court

"I think that's the overwhelming feeling… just sheer relief that we could look up and say Harry, we've done it mate. We've done what we promised,” she said.

• A woman was arrested this week on suspicion of conspiracy to murder following a shooting in Northampton on Saturday. Police were called to the Far Cotton area where they found a man with a gunshot wound to the head. He remains in hospital in critical condition. Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting incident number 376 of 15/10/22.

• Irchester library reopened on Wednesday under community management. It was one of 21 libraries in the county to lose statutory protection following the financial crisis at Northamptonshire County Council and until recently its future was uncertain. Now an agreement has been reached by North Northants Council which will see volunteers running the library with support with library systems provided by the local authority.

Westminster Watch

MP for South Northamptonshire Andrea Leadsom used an adjournment debate in parliament this week to raise the issue of air pollution in Towcester.

She told the Commons:

“Towcester, a beautiful town in the heart of my South Northamptonshire constituency. It is an idyllic scene until the traffic starts. Most days, and sometimes all day, cars queue down the A5 Watling Street, which is the high street through Towcester.

“...This road is unbelievably unsuitable for the size and volume of traffic that is using it, and quite apart from the obvious dangers for cyclists and pedestrians, the traffic is having an appalling impact on Towcester’s air quality, noise levels and quality of life for residents.”

She went on to discuss the need for a ring road - something she said had been an ongoing priority for her as MP. In response to the points she made, the minister of state for transport said the government was taking a range of measures to tackle air pollution. Read the full response here.

NN Culture

🎤 Bob Marley tribute act The Marley Experience will be at the Picturedrome in Northampton tonight at 8pm. Tickets are available here: https://tickets.ents24.com/event/the-marley-experience/the-picturedrome/2261303?inf=d50479281b05e5a8

🎵If you like Motown head to the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering tonight from 7.30pm. You can purchase tickets here: https://lighthousetheatre.co.uk/event/the-magic-of-motown/

🎃Get your Halloween pumpkins at Saxby’s Cider this weekend. There will also be cider, a hog roast and refreshments available.Ticket entry is £2.50 per car.