Boris Johnson- UK PM Race: Rishi Sunak of Indian descent is considered to be at the forefront of the race for the post of British Prime Minister. Meanwhile caretaker Prime Minister Boris Johnson has opened a front against him. According to reports, Johnson even told his colleagues on Friday to “support anyone, but not Rishi Sunak.”
Johnson of the ruling Conservative Party resigned as prime minister on July 7. The process is now underway for the election of the leader in his place.
Sunak is in the lead by two ballots. On Thursday, he had obtained the maximum of 101 votes in the second ballot. Four other candidates find themselves with him in the race for the post of Prime Minister. On the second ballot, Indian-born Attorney General Suella Braverman received the fewest 27 votes. She is out of this race.
Penny Morduant got 83 votes, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss got 64, former minister Chemi Badenok got 49 votes and Conservative Party leader Tom Tugendat got 32 votes. Even on the first ballot, Sunak got the maximum 88 votes.
While Trade Minister Penny Mordent got 67, Liz Truss got 50, Chemi Badenoch got 40, Tom Tugendat got 37 votes and Suella Braverman got 32 votes. Let’s say that with the completion of the next five rounds of voting among Conservative Party members, there will only be two leaders left in this race until next Thursday.
What did Boris Johnson say?
‘The Times’ newspaper has reported that Boris Johnson has asked leaders who lost the race for party leadership not to back former finance minister and chancellor Sunak.
A source said Johnson appears to want Secretary of State Liz Truss to be endorsed by her (Johnson’s) cabinet colleagues Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nadine Dorries. Johnson also reportedly kept options open for Penny Mordaunt as his successor. Mordaunt is the minister.
Meanwhile, an aide to Johnson has denied claims that he (Johnson) wanted someone other than Sunak to succeed him. However, he admitted that the incumbent prime minister was upset with Sunak’s betrayal.
At the same time, Sunak’s camp tried to ignore suggestions that his strong backing was not outside of Tory MPs. Tory MP Richard Holden, who backs Sunak, said: “I hope we go ahead.
