Penny Mordaunt has become the first Conservative MP to announce she will run to replace Liz Truss as prime minister, saying she aims to 'unite our country' and win the next general election. The Commons leader currently trails rivals Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson in public endorsements, with only 21 MPs backing her.
Rishi Sunak has not yet confirmed his candidacy but has secured 87 of the 100 endorsements needed to enter the contest. Boris Johnson, who was forced out of No 10 three months ago, has not ruled out a comeback and has 44 MPs supporting him. International Trade Minister James Duddridge told the BBC: 'Boris is coming, and he has the momentum and support.'
The threshold for nominations has been set at 100 MPs, limiting the field to a maximum of three candidates. Contenders have until 14:00 BST on Monday to secure the required backing. If three reach the threshold, Conservative MPs will hold a ballot on the same day to eliminate one candidate.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has ruled himself out and said he is 'leaning towards' backing Boris Johnson, citing his 2019 mandate. Former chancellor Sajid Javid has endorsed Rishi Sunak. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, and former cabinet minister Michael Gove have also ruled themselves out.
The prospect of Boris Johnson's return has divided Tory MPs. Jesse Norman called it an 'absolutely catastrophic decision', while former leader Lord Hague said it 'could become a death spiral' for the party. Polling suggests Johnson remains popular with party members, but some MPs have threatened to quit if he returns.
