Liz Truss was elected leader of the Conservative Party yesterday (5 September) and was formerly announced as Prime Minister. 

Speculation is rife that there will be an announcement on energy soon, with a relief plan for businesses expected to be announced in the coming days.  

Stephen Marcos Jones, ACE CEO said: “The [election] process has – unfortunately – delayed much needed action from Government. We know that inflation, rising energy prices and wages are already severely impacting the short to medium term outlook for our sector, and we look forward to seeing how businesses will be supported in these areas through the challenging months ahead.” 

While we await details of her new Ministers, as well as a sense of the political bearings of a Liz Truss Cabinet, Stephen Marcos Jones also reinforced the importance of the sector for the medium and long-term: “Investment in our national infrastructure, and the construction industry more widely, is crucial to weathering any potential economic storm. It will ensure we maintain a long-term view on the economy and invest in a sector which can provide jobs and growth. For this reason, I was pleased to see the Prime Minister back investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail and for roads in her campaign.” 

ACE will continue to engage the next Government on the issues that matter most to members: 

• Net Zero – ensuring government, business and industry are fully invested. Following some less than enthusiastic endorsement during the campaign, we would like to see government clearly recommit to the Net Zero targets and to the energy transition. 
• Levelling Up and regional development – seeking clarity on the next steps for Government as the bill progresses through the parliamentary process. We need a more holistic and transparent approach to funding, the removal of ring-fenced funds and for investments to be firmly linked to national Net Zero goals. 
• Infrastructure pipeline – Truss has outlined strong commitments to a proactive plan for economic growth which will only be met with an ambitious pipeline of infrastructure projects, including a commitment to HS2 in full. 

Finally, Stephen highlighted the important roles that ACE members play in delivering the long-term solutions that society requires on energy, transport, connectivity, climate change and regional development. It is for this reason that we look forward to continuing our collaborative and constructive relationship with Government under the new prime minister. 

Stephen’s comments were covered in a range of sector media including, Building, Building Design, Construction News, Constructor Mag, Housing Today, New Civil Engineer, and PBC Today.