Sunak and Johnson are considered the most promising candidates to succeed Liz Truss.
(Photo: via REUTERS)
London The two favorites to be prime minister, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, have reportedly failed to agree on a common solution at a meeting. This was reported by both the “Telegraph” and a “Times” reporter on Sunday, citing insider sources.
The ex-PM and ex-Treasury Secretary reportedly met on Saturday night. British media speculated the two could agree a deal to avoid splitting the Tory party. For example, the scenario circulated that the favorite Sunak could offer Johnson a role in a future cabinet. With his resignation from the Johnson cabinet in the summer, the 42-year-old had played a major role in bringing it down.
According to the Telegraph, Johnson is said to have called his party early on Sunday morning and asked for support. His campaign team said on Saturday that the 58-year-old had already reached the necessary threshold of 100 supporters. However, doubts quickly arose, as only around half as many publicly spoke out in favor of Johnson.
Johnson loyalist and Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg assured the BBC on Sunday morning that the ex-PM would run and had strong support. Johnson has not yet publicly announced his candidacy.
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Sunak did this on Sunday morning. In a message on Twitter, he wrote: “Britain is a great country but we are in a serious economic crisis. That’s why I want to lead the Conservative Party and be the next Prime Minister.”
The only other official candidate is Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs Penny Mordaunt, who is reported to have the least supporters so far. However, she is competing to win and ruling out a deal with Johnson, Mordaunt said when asked in the BBC interview. Nominations can be received until Monday afternoon.
The Tory party is seeking a successor for outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss, who resigned on Thursday after six unprecedentedly chaotic weeks in office after pressure from her party.
More: Possible Johnson comeback divides the Conservatives again