Former British chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak yesterday was poised to become prime minister and the UK’s first leader of color after a dramatic decision by former British prime minister Boris Johnson to abandon an audacious political comeback.
Just weeks after failing in a first attempt to lead the ruling Conservative Party, Sunak could cap a stunning reversal in fortunes by winning the leadership as early as yesterday afternoon, following Johnson’s unexpected move late on Sunday.
The contest, triggered by British Prime Minister Liz Truss’ resignation on Thursday, required candidates to secure the support of at least 100 Conservative lawmakers by 2pm yesterday.
Photo: EPA-EFE
Sunak, a wealthy Hindu descendant of immigrants from India and East Africa, had crossed that threshold by Friday night, ahead of declaring his candidacy on Sunday and amassing nearly 150 public nominations from Conservative lawmakers.
Johnson’s withdrawal from the race — before he had even formally announced his candidacy — left Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt the only other declared contender, but Sunak supporters were quick to stress that he was not assuming he had the leadership “in the bag.”
“He’s speaking to colleagues this morning, he’s working very hard to attract those supporters who were perhaps with Boris Johnson previously,” British Home Secretary Grant Shapps said.
Mordaunt was expected to come under growing pressure to abandon her leadership bid and end the contest quickly as Britain grapples with multiple crises.
If the 49-year-old resists and is able to garner 100 nominations, the race would be decided by the party’s roughly 170,000 members in an online vote, with the result announced on Friday.
However, first the 357 Conservative lawmakers were to hold an “indicative” ballot — from 3:30pm to 5:30pm yesterday — to show members which candidate commands the most support within the fractious parliamentary party.
Just two months ago, the members selected Truss over Sunak, who had more support among lawmakers. Mordaunt is popular with the grassroots.
The Conservatives were forced into their second leadership contest since the summer due to Truss’ resignation after only 44 days following the disastrous market response to her tax-slashing mini-budget.
She had replaced Johnson in early September following another government revolt over a slew of scandals, most notably the “Partygate” controversy involving COVID-19 lockdown-breaching parties.
Johnson’s attempt to make an immediate return to Downing Street had raised the prospect of months of disarray and disunity within the party.
Critical backbench lawmakers warned that there could have been a wave of resignations under Johnson’s renewed leadership, which might have led to the general election demanded by opposition parties. It is not due for at least two years.
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