Britain is looking for a new Prime Minister. After barely six weeks, Liz Truss (47) announced her resignation on Thursday. Ex-Finance Minister Rishi Sunak (42) is currently the clear favorite for the post of party leader and thus also head of government. Also in the running is Penny Mordaunt (49). The Brexit lawyer is a good speaker and became Britain’s first female defense secretary in 2019.
Sunak had 146 supporters in the group on Sunday, according to a BBC tally. Only 23 MPs spoke out publicly in favor of Mordaunt. Despite the big lead, she wants to continue to fight for the necessary support in the conservative group.
But Mordaunt has just allowed himself an embarrassing gaffe. She posted the results of a survey on Twitter, which showed she was the right person to create a fresh start for her party. In stark contrast to their competitor Rishi Sunak.
But one detail of the investigation is wrong. While 57 percent of those surveyed believe Mordaunt can make a fresh start, their competitor comes in with just 44 percent. moment! All in all, that’s 101 percent.
I hope she doesn’t become finance minister
The Brit is therefore much ridiculed with the tweet. “If she wins, she will give 101 percent as prime minister,” read one comment. Or, “Mordaunt is probably 101 percent sure.” Another writes: “These percentages are like a mini-budget, they don’t add up.”
Others hope she doesn’t become finance minister and advise her to take math tutoring with Rishi Sunak.
Former banker Sunak served as finance minister from 2019 until last July, before resigning in protest at the numerous cases of Boris Johnson (58), contributing to the premature end of his term in office. In early September, Sunak lost to Truss in the race to succeed Johnson.
There may be a drain
Mordaunt was also considered one of the first favorites to replace Johnson in the summer, but narrowly lost to Truss in a battle to take part in the final vote. Critics accuse her of having been unsuccessful in her previous government positions.
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. (jmh/AFP)