Liz Truss has claimed Sir Keir Starmer's statements that she "crashed the economy" during her short-lived leadership are defamatory and "false and misleading."

The six-page letter also blames the comments for her election loss in July, when she was toppled from her South West Norfolk seat at the general election - a Tory stronghold for decades - saying this would have "materially impacted public opinion".

Prime Minister Liz Truss reading a statement outside 10 Downing Street, London, following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

However, Sir Keir has said he will not be abiding by her wishes, vowing not to "cease and desist from the truth".

And her successor, Labour MP Terry Jermy, has also given her claims short shrift, saying he is right to "highlight her appalling record".

Ms Truss, who became prime minister in........

© Eastern Daily Press