Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is poised to officially join the race to become Britain’s next prime minister after securing the public support from 100 Tory MPs needed to take part in the vote. I’m here.
Sunak has declared 111 supporters by Saturday night. Conservative MPs had yet to decide whether to put former Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the ballot.
Johnson’s allies claimed the former prime minister, who resigned in July following a string of scandals and the resignation of more than 60 ministers, had secured more than 100 MP supporters. Snack supporters asked for proof.
By 7pm on Saturday, Mr Johnson, who had just returned to the UK from a vacation in the Dominican Republic, had about 50 publicly declared supporters, according to data collected by the FT.
His allies said the former prime minister had sought a meeting with Sunak on the unlikely premise that the front-runner in the race might capitulate.
“Rishi knows he will lose if he goes head-to-head with Boris in the parliamentary vote,” said one ally, adding that Johnson could strike a deal with Sunak to give him a key role in his government. claimed.
Johnson has the backing of six current cabinet members, including former Home Secretary Priti Patel, business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg and level-up secretary Simon Clarke.
However, many within the party believe he will be a highly divisive choice, with analysts warning investors will react poorly to the prospect of his return, which could lead to further economic losses. and pose a risk of political turmoil.
Former Conservative Party leader William Hague said Johnson would lead the party into a “death spiral”. Many Tory MPs have warned that he could step down if he becomes Prime Minister, putting the Tory majority in jeopardy.
Mr Johnson’s allies said they could “participate” in the contest if former Prime Minister Johnson chose to do so. His friends say they are confident he will run if he can ensure he secures the required number of nominations.
House Majority Leader Penny Mordaunt hopes to emerge as a compromise candidate, but so far has only 23 supporters. If Johnson withdraws from the contest, she will aim to win over his supporters.
Sunak is viewed by some Conservatives as a divisive figure because of his role in overthrowing Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Some right-wing Tories dislike the track record of raising taxes.
The final two, selected by parliamentarians, will be presented to party members, who will make their final decisions by Friday.
If Sunak and Johnson were both shortlisted when the nominations closed on Monday, many Tory MPs believe Johnson would win, but the party would be severely divided.
The former prime minister remains popular with party members and, having won a majority of 80 seats in the 2019 election, it can be argued that he is delegated.
But with Johnson known to be less enthusiastic about fiscal discipline than former prime minister Sunak, his possible return could spark further market turmoil.
In his resignation letter to Johnson in July, Sunak said:
Johnson is also facing a congressional inquiry into whether he lied to lawmakers about the “partygate scandal.” If convicted, he could be suspended from Congress and face a by-election.
Health Minister Robert Jenrick said: . . Some of these remain unresolved. ”
International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, a candidate for this summer’s leadership contest, endorsed snacks. All you have to do is speak frankly about how you are being treated,” he wrote.
