Joe Lycett tweets sarcastic response to Liz Truss victory: 'Smashed it babe'

Comedian Joe Lycett has sent his own congratulations to Liz Truss after she was named Britain's next prime minister.

Truss was announced as Conservative Party leader on Monday, beating fellow contender Rishi Sunak by 57.4% to 42.6% in a vote among Tory members.

She will officially become prime minister on Tuesday when she and Boris Johnson travel to visit the Queen in Balmoral.

Seconds after she was named the winner of the Tory leadership race, Lycett tweeted: "Yes @trussliz absolutely smashed it babe!"

Watch: Comedian Joe Lycett shouts 'You smashed it, Liz' after BBC interview

Lycett caused controversy at the weekend with his sarcastic and deadpan answers to questions posed on the first edition of the BBC's flagship new politics show, Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

Truss had been interviewed earlier on the show by Kuenssberg and, as it finished, Lycett could be heard shouting off camera: You smashed it, Liz!”

Read more: Will you be better or worse off under Liz Truss?

When the BBC presenter asked Lycett later for his verdict on Truss's performance, he replied: I’m actually very right-wing and I love it. I thought she gave great clear answers. I know exactly what she’s up to."

When Kuenssberg told him this was a "serious point", Lycett replied: "I am not being sarcastic."

He later insisted he was "incredibly right wing".

Speaking about Truss's plans to tackle the energy bills crisis, Lycett replied: “Yeah, she was very clear what she said.

"I think you know exactly what's going to happen. I’m reassured, you’re reassured.”

Lycett's performance on the show drew criticism from some quarters, with the Daily Mail's front page headline on Monday reading: "Now BBC comic mocks Liz Truss".

The comedian tweeted a picture of the front page and wrote: "I'll be off to the framers in the morning."

Lycett wasn't the only public figure to congratulate Truss on becoming prime minister, although others did it in a slightly more traditional fashion.

The previous female prime minister, Theresa May, tweeted: "Congratulations @TrussLiz.

Read more: Return of Boris Johnson as prime minister 'would be suicidal' for Tories

"We Conservatives must now work together to address the challenges facing our country.

"Tackling the cost of living, delivering for those in need and managing the public finances responsibly. I look forward to supporting the government in that task."

Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron tweeted: “Many congratulations to new PM @TrussLiz.

“At this time of challenge and global uncertainty, I wish the new government well."

Watch: Comedian Joe Lycett gives sarcastic response when asked about Liz Truss