Liz Truss Skis in Davos Despite Losing Commons Seat Nearly Two Years Ago
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has sparked controversy by participating in the 70th Parliamentary Ski Week in Davos, Switzerland, despite being ousted from her parliamentary seat nearly two years prior. The event, designed to enhance diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Union, saw Truss finish third in the women's ski race, but her presence drew sharp criticism from political opponents and observers.
Criticism Over Truss's Attendance and Political Views
Labour Party chair Anna Turley lambasted Truss, stating, "Working families were forced to pay an avalanche of extra cash on their mortgages thanks to Liz Truss’ reckless short stint as Tory PM. Truss should spend less time on the slopes and focus on finally taking responsibility for the hammer blow she inflicted on family finances." Turley added that Truss's frequent international appearances, where she has been critical of the UK, demonstrate her detachment from public concerns.
Truss, who served as Prime Minister for only 49 days before her mini-budget triggered a surge in mortgage rates, recently expressed ambitions to emulate Donald Trump's MAGA movement in the UK, branding it "MEGA - Make England Great Again." This stance has raised concerns that her pro-Brexit, Trumpian views might hinder rather than help Britain's diplomatic efforts at events like the ski week.
Lavish Details of the Ski Trip
The ski trip, held in the upscale resort of Davos, included luxurious amenities that have drawn attention. Attendees dined at the Weissfluhjoch Restaurant, where a veal dish costs £42 and a standard bottle of red wine can reach £184, with magnum bottles priced up to £368. The group also planned to meet at the Höhenweg restaurant, situated 2,000 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and selling pizzas for £27.84 each.
Organizers describe the event as a platform for "networking, political discussions about the future relationship between Great Britain and Switzerland and the EU, and the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries." Established in 1956 post-World War II to foster diplomatic ties, it is recognized as the world's oldest parliamentary sporting event, featuring skiing, training sessions, and social gatherings.
Other Former Tory MPs in Attendance
Truss was among seven former Conservative MPs who attended the ski week. Notable attendees included:
- Sara Britcliffe: Former MP for Hyndburn, who lost her seat in 2024 and co-founded political consultancy Polaris Partners.
- Tim Loughton: Ex-MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, a Brexit supporter who faced scrutiny over expense claims for water bills.
- Lady Victoria Borwick: Former Kensington MP criticized for comments about the Grenfell Tower disaster community.
- Sally-Ann Hart: Ex-MP for Hastings and Rye, investigated for sharing controversial social media posts.
- Henry Smith: Former Tory MP for Crawley, now a member of Reform UK.
- Ben Everitt: Ex-MP for Milton Keynes North, the fastest British skier at the event, previously criticized for expense claims.
Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade Andrew Griffith was the only serving MP present, alongside Tory peers and the British Ambassador to Switzerland.
Previous Involvement and Declined Comment
In January 2024, Truss and seven other Tory MPs attended the same event, enjoying hospitality worth nearly £13,000. Truss declared over £2,000 in hospitality benefits in the Register of Interests, including ski passes and receptions. When contacted for comment, Liz Truss's spokesman declined to respond, leaving questions about her role and the trip's impact on UK diplomacy unanswered.
The ski week continues to be funded partly by the Davos tourist board, emphasizing its role in maintaining "close ties between the British and Swiss parliaments" through political, sporting, and friendly exchanges. However, Truss's participation has reignited debates about accountability and representation in post-Brexit Britain.
