Who Will Succeed Boris Johnson As the Next Prime Minister
Words Destiny Fakoya
With Boris Johnson resigning there is a list of contenders eager to take his place as the next leader of the Conservative Party.
The UK operates as a parliamentary rather than a presidential system, the nomination for who becomes the next Tory leader is decided by the 350 individual Tory MPs and the person with the least support is disqualified. The final round is a battle between two MP finalists and the final ballot will decide who will eventually become the next Tory Leader. Consequently, it is vital to gain as many MP votes as possible to win the race.
The key contenders include; Rishi Sunak, Dominic Raab, Penny Mordaunt, Ben Wallace, Sajid Javid, Liz Truss, and Nadhim Zahawi.
Penny Mordaunt 8/10
The former Defence Secretary is a key contender going head to head with Rishi Sunak as a favourite among MPs. Mordaunt is known for supporting Brexit, and good leadership qualities and publicly disagreeing with the PM’s birthday party during lockdown - ‘partygate’. Although,
According to Sky Bet Mordaunt won the second poll, securing 83 votes, up from 67 in the first round of voting.
Rishi Sunak 6/10
Rishi Sunak whose resignation from the position of Chancellor to the Exchequer led to the domino effect that eventually led to the PM’s resignation. Sunak is the second leading contender with 101 votes in the first voting round and it is likely that both Sunak and Mordaunt will be the final candidates to battle for the PM position. Both are favourites among conservative voters and MPs.
However, receiving a fine for attending the PM’s birthday party during lockdown - ‘party gate’ which affected the popularity and position of a number of MPs. As well as the distasteful controversy regarding his wife’s financial status has substantially affected his popularity and provided a necessary opening for Mordaunt.
Liz Truss 4/10
The foreign secretary is another contender to replace Johnson as Tory Leader. Also, another Tory favourite with a similar comparison to Magaret Thatcher. Truss appears to be the third-favourite with 64 votes in the second voting round hoping her Pro-Brexit credentials will sway MPs who supported eliminating Braverman in her favour.
Ben Wallace 4/10
The defence secretary's support stems from his approach to the war in Ukraine and the clearance from Afghanistan. He is not known widely by the public but his popularity among Tory MPs has given him the confidence to enter the race.
Jeremy Hunt 3/10
Bookies have long predicted Jeremy Hunt as next in line to succeed Johnson but it would seem the battle is actually between Mordaunt and Sunak could jeopardise this. From 2012 to 2018, Hunt held the position of Secretary of State for Health, the Health and Social Care holding the longest tenure on record in British political history. He is viewed as a safe choice among the Tory faithful, known for being honest, trustworthy and stable - a “calming presence after the tumult of the Johnson years”. His limitations lie in him being on the centrist wing of the party which could result in losing votes to Mordaunt and the controversy over doctors' contracts which still affects his pull with the medical community.
Kemi Badendoch 3/10
Kemi Badenoch is a former equalities minister who is relatively unknown to Tory faithful and has never held a cabinet position. However, her advantage is that her record has not disappointed the Conservatives or voters in any way. Her policies include using her platform to reduce the state’s involvement in citizens’ lives and has promised to not get involved in the “bidding war” to reduce taxes like the other candidates.
Tom Tugendhat 2/10
A former military officer with an earnest desire to speak up against his own government. Particularly, during an emergency debate on the crisis in Afghanistan in August 2021 increases his chances of gaining support from MPs. He goes against the grain evidence by being the first Tory MP to publicly announce he would be bidding to be the next Prime Minister. However, his lack of cabinet or shadow cabinet experience and his opposition to Brexit hinders his chances of becoming the next Prime Minister.
Mr Tugendhat's position in the race hangs by a thread having finished second from the bottom, 17 votes behind Kemi Badenoch.