Boris Johnson would have the necessary support for the candidacy of Prime Minister Rights Giorgia Meloni, sworn in as Italy’s new head of government

British ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who left office after numerous scandals, is said to have enough support in his group to get back to work. Both the BBC and Sky News reported on Saturday, citing an inside source close to Johnson, that Johnson had reached the 100-supporter threshold and could compete with it. However, this deviates significantly from the BBC and other media counts, which have only come down to about 50 public supporters for Johnson.

However, the 58-year-old has not yet officially applied. The scandal politician returned on Saturday with his family from a shortened vacation in the Caribbean. Until now he had only scattered allies, he was ready for a candidacy.

To get to the top job, candidates need the support of at least 100 MPs. Nominations can be received until Monday afternoon. If more than two candidates create the necessary threshold, the circle must be narrowed when voting in the faction. If there are two finalists after that, the party base can vote in an online ballot during the week. The decision can also be made earlier than Friday if a candidate voluntarily withdraws.

Ex-Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is currently the favourite, the first possible candidate to have more than 100 Conservative MPs behind him. However, he had not yet made his candidacy official on Saturday afternoon. Also in the running is Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs Penny Mordaunt. (sda/dpa)