The race -which is expected to be very open- that contenders to succeed Johnson gives rise to all kinds of bets. Four Conservative lawmakers have officially confirmed their desire to be the next leader, but around a dozen others are expected to stand for the job.
Conservative lawmakers will hold a series of votes to narrow the list down to the final two candidates, who will then face a mail-in ballot from Conservative Party members.
“Clearly what we would want to do, and I think even the candidates would admit, is weed out some of the ones who are clearly not going to get enough support to get into the bottom two at a relatively early stage,” the 1922 Committee treasurer said. , Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, to Times Radio.
Clifton-Brown said this could be done by increasing the number of signatures from other Conservative lawmakers required to be nominated, and raising the threshold of votes candidates must receive to advance to the next round.
“I think we will be able to set up a process to come up with two names before Parliament adjourns on July 20,” he said. “We should have an answer by the time the party conference is held in October, and maybe sooner.”
Who are the candidates?
He has already confirmed his candidacy. Rishi Sunak, who resigned as Economy Minister last Tuesday. He is a solid contender with plenty of support within the party.
The chairman of the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs, Tom Tugendhatdeclared his interest with the promise of turning the training around, and the head of Transport could also present himself, Grant Shapps.
In an article published in The Daily TelegraphTugendhat, who has already garnered support from several colleagues despite his lack of government experience, promises to “eradicate the recent increase in social security contributions, reduce fuel taxes and lift tariffs on foreign imports.”
For his part, Shapps has been described as “a great option” by his ally and Secretary of State in his portfolio, Robert Courtswho was full of praise in statements today to the BBC about the “outstanding work” carried out by his boss.
It seems more than likely that the deputy Jeremy Hunt -former head of Foreign Affairs and Health- will do the same in the coming days.
In the corridors of Westminster there are also rumors about the intentions of the Foreign Secretary, Liz Trussthe former head of Health Sajid Javidthe Defense incumbent -and favorite in a recent opinion poll- ben wallace or the new Minister of Economy, nadhim zahawi.
However, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace announced his decision not to run for the post.
“After careful consideration and discussion with colleagues and family, I have made the decision not to run for leadership of the Conservative Party,” he wrote on Twitter, explaining that he wants to focus on his current task and “ensuring the security of the country.” “.
Expressing his gratitude to those who had “pledged” their support, he wished all the candidates good luck. I hope we can quickly get back to focusing on the issues we were chosen for,” she added.
Others who have already made their interest public are the State Attorney General Suella Braverman and the “Brexitero” deputy and deputy president of the Covid-19 Recovery Group, Steve Baker.
Boris remains in power on an interim basis
The spokesman pointed out that the acting “premier” “will not leave to allow (Deputy Prime Minister) Dominic Raab to be the interim prime minister”, as suggested by those who see it as totally counterproductive to extend Johnson’s stay more than is strictly necessary.
In this kind of governmental limbo, the still head of government will continue announcing more appointments to ministerial positions in the coming hours in order to fill the vacancies left by the mass resignations of recent days.
As speculation continues over when Johnson’s departure should be set, what threatened to become a new scandal has been cleared up.
Government sources have indicated to the BBC that Boris and Carrie Johnson have changed their plans to celebrate their wedding this month at the official country residence of Checkers.
The revelation by the press that the still head of the Government and his wife had organized a party there led the opposition to accuse Johnson of wanting to remain in office in order to celebrate the event.
Boris, 58, and Carrie Johnson, 34, were married on May 29, 2021 in a ceremony restricted by the pandemic, and then indicated that they would organize a larger celebration this July, after which they would go on a honeymoon. honey.
With information from Reuters, EFE and AFP