Quarrel over Chancellor's US 'junket' as government remains silent on energy crisis

Nadhim Zahawi is criticized for flying to the United States a "junket" in his last days as chancellor, while the public is in the dark for help with soaring energy bills.

The chancellor is spending several days across the Atlantic for discussions on financial services cooperation, support for Ukraine and energy security, the Treasury said.

But the visit comes as Mr Zahawi has no real power in the post handed to him by Boris Johnson in early July, as whoever wins the Tory leadership race next Monday is almost certain to be removed.

< p>Liz Truss, the big favourite, is expected to appoint Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng to No 11 – Mr Zahawi to be demoted to Health Secretary.

Recommended'Too busy': Liz Truss only cancels Tory leadership race TV interviewBoris Johnson hopes to return to power "like Donald Trump", says Rory Stewart 'Simplistic' Liz Truss has warned her VAT cut is going 'crush public finances'