What's happening?

Eleven days. This is how long it took Britain's new leader Liz TrussThe Conservative prime minister of the United Kingdom from September to October 2022. and the person in charge of business, Kwasi KwartengA British Conservative politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Liz Truss from September to October 2022., to change their minds about one of their biggest plans for the country. 

Truss wanted to change the amount of taxMoney workers pay to the government to pay for services like roads and hospitals. that the people who earn the most money in Britain pay. She believed it would make them spend more money and help the economyThe way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.. But lots of people said it was a bad idea, and that it would only help the richest people. 

Now, Truss says she will not go ahead with the plan. In politics, this is known as a U-turn. 

Truss says she changed her mind because she "listened" to what people wanted. Many people think it is a good thing when someone listens to feedbackInformation given to make something better next time. and changes their plans, rather than carrying on with an idea that will not work. 

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But others think it is a sign of weakness. They say a stronger leader would have kept going with what they think is right, even if other people do not like it. 

Is changing your mind a sign of strength?

Yes! It takes strength to know when you are wrong and listen to other people's ideas. All good leaders should be willing to change their mind.

No! It is a sign of weakness to give in so quickly. People should stick with what they think is right, no matter what others say.