Despite the support of several cabinet ministers, the former prime minister remains a polarising character, and some Conservative members of parliament have vowed to withdraw party support if he returns.
Boris Johnson has returned to the United Kingdom amid mounting rumors that the former prime minister may run for the Tory leadership.
Mr. Johnson was on vacation in the Dominican Republic, but he returned home on Thursday after the shocking resignation of Liz Truss.
The Conservative Party has one week to select a new leader and prime minister, and Mr. Johnson told an associate, “I’m up for it” and “I’ll do it.”
Mr. Johnson flew economy to Gatwick Airport with his wife and children, and according to Sky’s US correspondent Mark Stone, there was “mixed reaction” as they boarded the plane first.
He reported that a few passengers appeared a “little confused” and that there were a few boos.
Approximately 7,000 individuals monitored the flight via the FlightRadar24 website.
Mr. Johnson waved to the media after landing at Gatwick Airport and was swiftly escorted through the VIP area.
He has then transported away from the airport in a Range Rover.
Mr. Johnson quit officially six weeks ago after a series of scandals and mass resignations by ministers, but he remains popular among certain Conservative MPs and party members.
Six cabinet ministers have stated that they will support Mr. Johnson in the election.
Earlier supporters include business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, military secretary Ben Wallace, and leveling up secretary Simon Clarke.
Mr. Rees-Mogg was the first to support the former prime minister, tweeting on social media, “I support Boris #BorisorBust.”
After withdrawing from the contest, Mr. Wallace stated that he is “leaning towards Boris Johnson.”
He cautioned that colleagues “must concentrate” on who can create unity and win the upcoming election.
Former home secretary Priti Patel has stated that she supports Mr. Johnson because of his “established track record.”
Monday at 2:00 p.m., Tory MPs who seek to enter the race must get the support of 100 other MPs.
However, Mr. Johnson continues to be a polarising figure, and some Conservative MPs have vowed to withdraw party discipline if he returns.
Lord Frost, a former Brexit minister and close ally of Mr. Johnson, urged his fellow party members to support the former chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
Foreign Office minister Jesse Norman stated that electing Mr. Johnson as Conservative leader would be “absolutely terrible.”
Sir Roger Gale, the most senior backbencher, reminded voters via a tweet that the former prime minister is still under investigation by the Commons privileges committee for potentially deceiving the House on partygate.
Sir Roger told Times Radio that he will throw up the whip and run as an independent if Mr. Johnson is re-elected as prime minister.
When asked about Mr. Johnson’s chances of a second run for politics, a cabinet minister told, Beth Rigby, “I’d expect him to reach 100.
“Yesterday, even those who had resigned from his ministry were on the terrace reassuring colleagues that they would now support him, and members will certainly do the same.”
