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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Elly Rewcastle

Sam Allardyce's England reign, a lettuce and seven more things that lasted longer than Liz Truss as Prime Minister

Liz Truss has announced that she will be stepping down as prime minister after just six weeks in Number 10. After a dreadful start to her premiership, which saw multiple U-turns on her economic policies, Truss announced she would be resigning.

While she will stay in office for another week whilst a replacement leader is elected by Conservative MPs, Ms Truss' premiership has lasted just 44 days. And after just 43 days as monarch, King Charles III will be preparing to welcome his second prime minister.

Ms Truss's resignation gives her the title of Britain's shortest-serving prime minister in history. But what else lasted longer than her?

READ MORE: Boris Johnson to stand to become next UK Prime Minister after Liz Truss resigns - reports

1. David Blaine's Above the Below - 44 days

Lasting just as long as the prime minister herself, American illusionist David Blaine was sealed inside a box and suspended 30 feet in the air in London in 2003. During the 44-day stunt, Blaine drank 4.5 litres of water and did not eat.

2. Brian Clough's managerial career at Leeds United - 44 days

Brian Clough leaves Elland Road after 44 days as manager of League Champions Leeds United on September 13, 1974 (Mirrorpix)

Tying for the top spot alongside Blaine is English footballer and manager Brian Clough. At the time, Clough's appointment as Leeds manager was a surprise as he did not attempt to hide his disdain for previous manager, Don Revie.

It is reported that during one of his first training sessions, Clough told the Leeds players to "throw your medals in the bin because they were not won fairly". He was sacked after just 44 days.

3. Who Killed Archie Mitchell? - 57 days

When Archie Mitchell, the newest member of the Mitchells to move to Albert Square, was murdered by an unseen character in 2009, Eastenders fans had to wait a dramatic 57 days for the reveal. The whodunnit mystery pointed the finger at 10 different characters before a final episode revealed that Stacey Slater was the one to wield the weapon that struck the fatal blow.

4 Jade Goody's time in Big Brother 3 - 64 days

After entering the house in 2002, Jade Goody became a fan favourite, despite being ridiculed in the press for her lack of knowledge. After 64 days in the house, she was evicted and finished 4th place, coming behind Alex Sibley, Jonny Regan and winner now DJ Kate Lawler.

5. Sam Allardyce's time as England manager - 67 days

Sam Allardyce has spoken on his potential future as a manager. (Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

In July 2016, after a career managing the likes of Sunderland, West Ham and Bolton Wanderers, Sam Allardyce was offered the top job of managing the England squad in the run-up to the 2018 World Cup. Despite signing a two-year contract, Allardyce stepped down from the role after 67 days following allegations of malpractice after a newspaper investigation into corruption.

6. B&Q's return policy - 90 days

If the Truss government had begun any work on the flat above Number 10, which was controversially renovated by Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie in a scandal that became known as Wallpapergate, then they can rest easy knowing they're able to get a refund on any purchases from B&Q. The DIY staple says that products must be returned in their original condition within 90 days to be eligible for a refund.

7. Emma mattress trial period - 200 days

The guys behind the Emma mattress are so confident in their product that they give customers 200 nights to try out the mattress and decide if it's right for them. If not, simply call them up and they'll arrange for it to be collected, returned and a refund processed.

8. Larry the Cat - 4,290 days

Everyone knows Larry the Cat - the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office - who has held his coveted position since 2011. After being rescued from the Battersea Dogs and Cats home, he was intended to be a pet for the children of David and Samantha Cameron and has called Downing Street home ever since.

He has seen four prime ministers through the doors of number 10 and will be ready to welcome in his fifth following Liz Truss's resignation. Larry was said to be a huge fan of Barack Obama during the former president's state visit in 2011.

9. The Daily Star's 60p lettuce

When The Daily Star asked if Liz Truss would be able to outlive a 60p lettuce, many laughed at the ludicrous idea. Who is laughing now?

The lettuce, which has been seen dressed in a wig with googly eyes and has been joined by other fruits and veg, celebrated with the national anthem when the prime minister announced her resignation. Surrounded by a gin and a flapping Union Flag, the lettuce was said to be due to make a speech to the nation at 6pm on October 20.

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