Liz Truss faces massive backlash over remarks on French president Emmanuel Macron. What did she say?

British foreign secretary Liz Truss, who is a strong contender to become the country's next prime minister, has faced flak over her remarks made on French president Emmanuel Macron.

Truss said the "jury was still out" when she was recently asked whether the French leader was a "friend or foe" of Britain at a Tory leadership hustings in Norwich. She also said that if she became the prime minister, she would judge Macron on "deeds not words".

The Conservative leader soon came under a barrage of criticism over her words.

French president Emmanuel Macron (MEYSSONNIER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Labour leader David Lammy said she had "a woeful lack of judgement" as he accused her of insulting one of "Britain's closest allies", BBC reported.

Truss's comment came at the end of the hustings to a loud applause. She said it while facing a series of "quickfire questions" posted by the host, Julia Hartley-Brewer said.

Truss was also criticised by members from her own party. One Conservative minister said her remarks "completely undermined" the UK's relationship with France.

Former British foreign minister Alistair Burt said in a tweet that Truss has made a "serious error" and should have used a more diplomatic tone.

Former Conservative minister Gavin Barwell targeted Truss saying, "You would have thought the foreign secretary was aware we are in a military alliance with France."

David Gauke, another ex-Tory minister, said, "There's playing to the gallery and then there's letting the prejudices of the gallery go to your head, especially when now is one of the worst times to try to fragment the West."

The French media, who highlighted recent tensions between the two countries, also picked up Truss's words.

While the UK and France have had issues in the recent past, an analysis by the BBC said any division between the western powers would only help leaders such as Vladimir Putin.

"But as a close neighbour and a fellow NATO member, there are few in mainstream politics who would consider France anything but a strong ally. Especially at a time when western unity over the war in Ukraine is so important, and any division could be exploited by the likes of Vladimir Putin," it said.