Indian-origin Rishi Sunak appears to be the frontrunner in the race for the next British prime minister. Sunak, a former finance minister, has crossed the minimum threshold of 100 MPs needed to go through in the race.
Though Sunak is yet to make an official statement about his candidacy, he has become the first Tory contender to have the backing of 100 MPs. Former prime minister Boris Johnson, who is rushing back to London from his holiday in the Dominican Republic, is closing in with the support of nearly 70 supporters, according to reports.
House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt was the first to officially launch her leadership bid. Mordaunt said she was running for “a fresh start, a united party and leadership in the national interest”.
Confirming his support for Sunak, former health secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “I have worked incredibly closely with Boris, Rishi & Penny in Government. I admire all three. With the challenges we face today: economic crisis & the need to restore authoritative leadership, Rishi Sunak is the best person to lead our country. I’m voting Rishi & hope you do too.”
According to an Opinium poll, UK voters would pick Sunak or Mordaunt above Johnson as the next prime minister. Sunak was the runner-up in the last contest, just six weeks ago, which saw Liz Truss taking over as PM.
Truss, plagued by criticism over the economic policies she announced, stepped down on October 20. Her proposal for aggressive tax cuts pummelled the value of the pound. Sunak had repeatedly warned Conservatives that Truss’ tax-cutting plans would be disastrous as proved to be the case.
Johnson, who is desperate to come back, after he was ousted as PM, has reportedly told Sunak to opt out of the race. Johnson is making a larger point to Conservative MPs — that only he can save the party from facing defeat in the elections due in December 2024.
In order to be considered, candidates will need the signatures of at least 100 of the 357 Conservative lawmakers, meaning a maximum field of three. If three meet that threshold, lawmakers will vote to knock out one and then hold an indicative vote on the final two. The party’s 1,72,000 members will then get to decide between the two finalists in an online vote. The new leader is due to be selected by October 28.
