Swinford also quotes Johnson as saying: “In the last few days I’ve come to the conclusion that it just wouldn’t be the right thing to do.” The ex-prime minister should still be convinced that he could have led his party to an election victory in 2024, but: “You can’t govern effectively if your party doesn’t appear united in parliament,” said Johnson.
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That leaves only ex-Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Tory parliamentary leader Penny Mordaunt in the running to succeed hapless Prime Minister Liz Truss. The candidacy period for the successor ends Monday afternoon at 15:00 CEST. However, only those who can claim the backing of 100 MPs from the Tory parliamentary group have a chance of becoming prime minister.
According to the BBC, more than 140 parliamentarians have already spoken out in favor of the favorite and ex-Finance Minister Rishi Sunak. Johnson is also said to have cleared the 100 supporter hurdle on Sunday. Mordaunt had been given little chance of getting the necessary number of signatures. After Johnson’s departure, however, the cards could be reshuffled.
If at least two applicants clear the hurdle, the parliamentary group first votes between them. After that, the party members should have the floor. If Sunak is the only one with the necessary backing, he could be the next prime minister on Monday.
Outgoing Prime Minister Truss announced her resignation on Thursday after six unprecedentedly chaotic weeks in office under pressure from her party. She defeated Sunak, who had previously been the favorite of Tory MPs, in a primary for Tory members in the summer.