Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak was the strong favorite to become Britain’s next prime minister within days or hours after former leader Boris Johnson dropped out of the Conservative Party leadership race on Monday.
Following the resignation of Liz Truss last week, the ruling party is electing Britain’s third prime minister this year at a time of political turmoil and severe economic challenges.
Sunak, 42, is the only candidate with the support of more than 100 MPs, the number needed to contest the election. There have been very few expressions of support for House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt, but the target is to reach the threshold by the time nominations close at 2 pm.
If Mordaunt fails to reach 100 nominations, Sunak will win by acclamation and will be at 10 Downing St until Monday evening. can go to
If both make the ballot, 357 Conservative MPs will hold an indicative vote on Monday to show their preference. If no one withdraws, the election will go to 172,000 party members across the country, with results announced on Friday.
If Sunak is the strong favorite among MPs, Mordant will come under intense pressure to step aside and not force a membership vote.
Home Secretary Grant Shapps, a Sunak supporter, said the former Treasury chief did not think the competition was “in the bag”.
“He’s talking to colleagues this morning, he’s working hard to attract those supporters who were with Boris Johnson before,” Shapps said. “But, look, I’ll leave it to Penny, she’s a great colleague. Let’s see what happens.”
Sunak, Truss’ runner-up to replace Johnson in this summer’s Tory leadership race, has promised “integrity, professionalism and accountability” if he forms a government – a contrast to the chaos that has consumed the past two prime ministers.