Sunak, Johnson lead race to be next UK Prime Minister

London, October 21

Boris Johnson and his former finance minister Rishi Sunak are the leading potential contenders to replace Liz Truss as UK Prime Minister, with candidates canvassing support to become Conservative Party leader in a fast-tracked contest.

Truss quit on Thursday after six weeks in power. The one to replace her must secure 100 votes from Conservative lawmakers by Monday to run in a contest which the party hopes will reset its ailing fortunes.

With opinion polls suggesting the Conservatives would be all but wiped out if a national election were held now, the race is on to become the fifth British premier in six years. The winner will be announced on Monday or next Friday.

In what would be an extraordinary comeback, Johnson, who was ousted by his lawmakers in July but remains popular with party members, was being touted alongside Sunak as a likely candidate. “He can turn it around again. And I’m sure my colleagues hear that message loud and clear,” Conservative lawmaker Paul Bristow said.

But Johnson, might not reach the 100 vote threshold after his three-year premiership was blighted by scandals and allegations of misconduct.— Reuters