Piste enthusiast Liz Truss partook in a skiing vacation to enhance Parliamentary connections, despite her departure from the Commons almost two years ago. The former Prime Minister, along with six other former Tory MPs, participated in the 70th Parliamentary Ski Week held in the opulent Davos resort. This event, aimed at fostering relationships between the UK, Switzerland, and the European Union, showcased Truss finishing third in the women’s race.
However, Truss’ attendance at the event sparked criticism from those apprehensive about her political stance aligning with Brexit and resembling elements of former US President Trump’s ideology. Labour Party chair Anna Turley expressed concern over Truss’s perceived impact on financial matters and urged her to focus on rectifying past decisions rather than engaging in leisure activities.
Truss, known for her brief tenure as Tory PM lasting only 49 days due to controversial policies affecting mortgage rates, recently expressed aspirations to emulate the pro-Trump movement in the UK under the slogan “MEGA – Make England Great Again.” Despite initially campaigning for Remain in the EU referendum, Truss shifted her stance to support Brexit and took on responsibilities for post-Brexit negotiations as Foreign Secretary in December 2021.
The Parliamentary Ski Week attendees indulged in luxurious dining experiences at exclusive restaurants in Davos, known for their high-priced offerings. The event, established in 1956 to strengthen diplomatic ties post-World War II, serves as a platform for political discussions, networking, and friendly exchanges between British and Swiss Parliamentarians.
Apart from skiing, the event features training sessions, social gatherings, and various exchanges, promoting camaraderie and mutual understanding between participants. Notable attendees included former Tory MPs like Sara Britcliffe, Tim Loughton, Lady Victoria Borwick, Sally-Ann Hart, Henry Smith, and Ben Everitt, each with their own political backgrounds and controversies.
The event also saw the presence of Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade Andrew Griffith and Tory peers, emphasizing the significance of bilateral relations between the UK and Switzerland. The Davos tourist board, a partial sponsor of the event, highlighted its role in maintaining close ties between the two countries through political, sporting, and friendly interactions.
In a previous edition of the event, Truss and other Tory MPs declared hospitality worth thousands of pounds, drawing attention to the financial aspects of their participation. Despite inquiries into the expenses incurred, Truss’s spokesperson declined to comment when approached for a response.