Former prime minister Liz Truss has launched a Popular Conservatism movement aimed at restoring “democratic accountability” across the UK.
Truss announced the movement at an event in central London alongside four members of her short-lived Cabinet including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, who served as her business secretary.
The 'PopCon' event on Tuesday February 6 also saw former Brexit party leader Nigel Farage and former home secretary Priti Patel in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Truss said Conservative governments have had "many achievements" in their 13 years in power - listing them as Brexit…. and keeping Jeremy Corbyn out of power.
"But if all of us are being honest in this room, we've been swimming against the tide when we're talking about Conservative values."
She added: "I believe the fundamental issue is that for years, and years and years… Conservatives have not taken on the left-wing extremists."
What is Popular Conservatism?
It is one of a number of fringe movements that have been established by members of the Conservative Party in recent years.
Last year there was a headline-grabbing meeting of Conservative MPs and thinkers, including the controversial author Douglas Murray, at the National Conservative conference, which advocated lower taxes and mini-budgets through the year.
It is believed the PopCon's intention is to look at current problems and be "more transparent" about how the Conservatives will solve them. The group believe that trust in politics has gone and being more open about how they will fund things is the way forward.
It is a push into the free market by Right-wing believers and it has been reported that the group is aiming to help shape the next Conservative manifesto ready for the general election expected this year.
How is Liz Truss involved?
This is a campaign spearheaded by her and is largely based her own beliefs and policies from when she was in charge.
She had the shortest period in office of any British prime minister ever, lasting just six weeks. Her mini-budget and low tax agenda sparked market panic but she seems to continue to believe that her policies could help keep the Conservatives in power and win back the trust of the electorate.
How is Rees-Mogg involved?
Sir Jacob was one of Ms Truss' trusted advisers during her short spell in charge and resigned shortly after she did.
