Drops out of race for prime minister Boris Johnson. This development brings him Rishi Sunak closer to Downing Street.
The former prime minister did not officially announce this, but mentioned to his supporters that he wanted to run.
After returning from the Caribbean, Boris Johnson met with two other leadership contenders in an attempt to persuade them to join him in his quest to return to leadership.
By Sunday afternoon, Johnson had gathered about 60 supporters, less than the 100 MPs needed to claim the Conservative leadership and the premiership.
In a statement, the former prime minister said he had secured the support of the 100 MPs required by law and said his decision not to run for Liz Truss was made for party unity reasons. “I’m afraid it’s better to leave the process and support the one who leaves. I think I have a lot to offer, but I’m afraid now is not the right time,” the former prime minister said in a statement.
“I believe I am in a position to secure a Conservative victory in 2024 and tonight I can confirm that I have passed the barrier of 102 declarations of support… and I can nominate myself tomorrow. I had a good chance of winning the election with members of the Conservative Party. But over the past few days, I have sadly come to the conclusion that this would be the wrong thing to do. You cannot effectively govern if you do not have a single party in parliament,” he said.
It is noted that Rishi Sunak enlisted the support of 140 deputies, and Penny Mordan gathered 25 supporters.
Rishi Sunak fights for the lead
Former finance minister Rishi Sunak announced his candidacy for prime minister on Sunday.
“The UK is a great country, but we are facing an unprecedented financial crisis,” he tweeted. “That’s why I’m running for the leadership of the Conservative Party to be the next prime minister.”
The United Kingdom is a great country, but we are facing a deep economic crisis.
That’s why I’m going to be the leader of the Conservative Party and your next prime minister.
I want to fix our economy, unite our party and help our country. pic.twitter.com/BppG9CytAK
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 23, 2022
According to the Guardian
Source: Kathimerini
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