Conservative MPs fear the race to replace Boris Johnson as the next leader risks becoming a drawn-out, bitter battle
Sunak was also hit by the start of what is likely to be a wave of anonymous briefings from Johnson’s Downing Street, where his role in the prime minister’s departure has caused significant anger.as calling Sunak “a treacherous bastard”, while a Johnson supporter in the cabinet told the paper: “Rishi will get everything he deserves for leading the charge in bringing down the prime minister.”
A number of other candidates are tipped to declare soon, including Ben Wallace, the defence secretary; Liz Truss, the foreign secretary; Sajid Javid, who resigned as health secretary last week; Nadhim Zahawi, who replaced Sunak as chancellor; and Penny Mordaunt, the former defence secretary. Sir Charles Walker, a former chair of the 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs, which will set out the detailed rules for the contest, said he hoped the early stages of the race would not be too brutal.
“I hope some of the candidates who know they have no hope of leading our party and becoming prime minister actually decide to drop out for the greater good.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tory MPs take sides as race to replace Boris Johnson begins in earnest – UK politics liveFormer chancellor Rishi Sunak claims to have the support of between 80 and 100 MPs, though only a handful have declared their support publicly
Read more »
Boris Johnson has quit, so who’s in for the Tory leadership?The cool but rich chancellor of the exchequer. The Australia-loving foreign secretary. It’s a who’s who of possible Johnson replacements. | By Latika Bourke in London. ToryMp
Read more »
Race to replace Boris Johnson slow to take shape amid resignation chaosAnalysis: Suella Braverman is lone frontbencher to voice leadership plan as Rishi Sunak, Sajid Javid and others hang back
Read more »
Tory MPs take sides as race to replace Boris Johnson begins in earnest – UK politics liveFormer chancellor Rishi Sunak claims to have the support of between 80 and 100 MPs, though only a handful have declared their support publicly
Read more »
Former UK finance minister Sunak launches bid to replace BorisFormer UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak has launched a social media video in a bid to replace outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson as conservative leader.
Read more »
UK leader hopefuls jostle as Johnson digs in for final weeksEx-British Treasury chief Rishi Sunak formally launched his campaign to replace departing Prime Minister Boris Johnson, leaping to the front of what is set to be a large pack of contenders.
Read more »