The leader of Ealing's Liberal Democrats has said he an colleagues hold out 'n hope' that new Conservative leader Liz Truss will be a positive force and tackle the problems of rising fuel costs and wider inflation.

Speaking after Liz Truss was announced as the new leder of the Conservative Party at lunctime today - and she will be confirmed by the Queen as the new PM tomorrow - Lib Dem local leader Cllr Gary Malcolm said: "Liberal Democrats do not hold out any hope on fuel bills with Liz Truss as she has had presented few new ideas to help many of those residents and businesses in Ealing who are suffering due to the high rise in fuel bills and inflation."

Ealing Council's opposition leader added: "Liberal Democrats would cancel the price cap rise with the Government subsidising the difference.

"There are parents in Ealing who have said they will skip meals or not eat hot meals so they can afford heating and other vital services for their children. This is not how life should be for a parent."