British prime minister candidate Penny Mordaunt (49) wants to continue to fight for the necessary support in the Conservative group despite the large lead of her rival Rishi Sunak (42). The BBC reported Monday morning, citing sources from Mordaunt’s campaign team, that the 49-year-old will certainly be in the grassroots if she gets the necessary support from 100 Tory MPs.
According to the team, this threshold is “within reach”. However, according to various media counts, only about 25 MPs spoke out for the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
Sunak with a huge lead
According to the BBC, 155 MPs have already spoken out publicly in favor of Mordaunt’s rival, ex-Finance Minister Rishi Sunak. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson withdrew from the race on Sunday evening.
Candidates can enter the race until Monday afternoon. However, only those who can claim the support of 100 MPs from the Tory group have a chance to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Should Mordaunt actually achieve this, the faction would vote between the two candidates first. If both finalists want to stay in the race after that, the party base would have the floor in a short online vote. The new prime minister should be announced by Friday at the latest. (SDA)