British ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson (58) will not stand as a candidate in an internal party vote. Although he has the necessary support in the Conservative Tory faction, he decided to oppose it, the politician said on Sunday evening. He has the support of more than 100 MPs and can apply, Johnson wrote.
Ex-Finance Minister Rishi Sunak (42) is the most promising candidate to move to Downing Street. More than 140 MPs have spoken out in public for him, according to the BBC. The support of at least 100 MPs is necessary. He wanted to lead the country through the crisis with “integrity and professionalism”, Sunak wrote on Twitter when he officially announced his candidacy on Sunday. Also in the running is the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Penny Mordaunt (49), who so far lags far behind in third place.
No agreement between Johnson and rivals
The Tory party is seeking a successor for outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss, who resigned on Thursday after six unprecedentedly chaotic weeks in office under pressure from her party. Candidates can participate in the race until Monday afternoon (3pm CEST).
Commenting on his withdrawal, Johnson wrote: “I would have a good chance of succeeding at grassroots level and could potentially be back in Downing Street by Friday.” Yet he had come to the conclusion that this was not the right way. “You can’t govern effectively if you don’t have a united party in parliament.” Unfortunately, no agreement was reached with his rivals Sunak or Mordaunt. “I think I have a lot to offer, but unfortunately this is probably not the right time,” said the 58-year-old. (SDA/kes)