Boris Johnson succession dispute already brings together 9 candidates

The race to replace Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader and prime minister United kingdom Intensify this Sunday (10) after nine Conservative MPs, including ministers, put forward their nominations.

Minister of Commerce Penny Mordauntwas the latest to join the list of contenders, which also includes the Minister of Economy, Nadim Zahawi; Minister of Transport, Grant Shaps; Former Health Ministers Sajid Javed And the Jeremy Hunt; Former Minister of Economy Rishi Sunak; Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Tom Tugendhat; Attorney general , Suila Braverman; The former Minister of Equality Kimi Badnoush.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses Parliament (Image: Reuters TV)

Johnson resigned last Thursday after more than 50 members of his cabinet resigned in protest against the administration and the torrent of scandals that have escalated under his leadership, such as parties at his Downing Street residence during the pandemic.

The official competition for the election will begin as soon as the so-called 1922 Committee, which brings together Conservative MPs who do not hold government positions, appoints the executive on Monday and sets the timetable for the process, with a view to United kingdom She has a new head of government by the beginning of September.

As the race for leadership continues, Johnson remains at the helm of the British government, and in addition to the nine candidates, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is expected to present her nomination on Monday.

While the process has yet to officially start, politicians have already started their own campaigns, with tax cuts as one of the main promises.

Both Hunt and Sajed, in statements to the BBC, defended the tax cut, one of the traditional measures of the Conservatives, and highlighted their experiences in the ministries they worked in – Health and Foreign Affairs first, Economy and Health. In the case of the second.

Mordaunt announced his decision to run on Twitter, where he posted a video suggesting that conservative leadership should change to focus less on the leader’s personality and more on the problems facing the country.

The other candidates are also expected to reveal details of their proposals in the coming days. Politicians will be subject to a series of votes, with candidates disqualified until only two are left. The final decision will be made by the party members of the state, and they will have to choose between one of the final candidates.

Jeffrey Clifton-Brown, Treasurer of the 1922 Committee, told Radio LBC he was confident that by July 20—before the parliamentary summer recess—the last two candidates would be appointed.

“Now we have nine people in the race. I’m sure there will be at least a few more before applications close on Monday, after which the process will begin,” he added.

However, the Labor opposition on Sunday again called for Johnson’s immediate departure rather than waiting for a new leader to be elected, or else it is ready to make a motion to censure the House of Commons for his removal.