After Foreign Secretary Liz Truss declared her candidacy for prime minister, a Foreign Office minister entered the race unexpectedly, announcing his candidacy through a Facebook video.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has formally entered the contest for the Tory leadership, while Home Secretary Priti Patel may soon declare her candidacy.
Foreign Office minister Rehman Chishti has now entered the race, bringing the total number of Conservatives vying to replace Boris Johnson as prime minister to 11.
In an article for the Telegraph, Ms. Truss vowed to “start slashing taxes from day one” by reversing April’s National Insurance increase.
Monday morning, the foreign secretary released a video outlining her bid to become the next leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister. In the film, she emphasized her goal for low taxes, a “tight grip on spending,” and economic growth.
Using the slogan “Trusted to Deliver,” Ms. Truss expressed her desire to provide everyone with “the opportunity to do everything they choose” regardless of their background.
A supporter of Home Secretary Priti Patel stated that there was a “high possibility” she will also run.
Ms. Patel is still pondering her position, according to a second ally, but she has more support than contenders who have already formally declared.
Mr. Chishti launched his campaign with a video on Facebook in which he stated, “It’s crucial for me to ensure that everyone who works hard, is dedicated, and perseveres has a government on their side, and that means fewer taxes, a small state, and a large society.”
On Monday, party elders on the 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs will determine the leadership contest’s rules.
With so many candidates, there is pressure to expedite the selection process so that only MPs with substantial support can be on the ballot.
In the next few days, it is hoped that the contenders will be narrowed down to the final two before party members make the final decision in the summer.
This would allow the next prime minister to take office before the September return of the legislature.
Former chancellor Rishi Sunak currently has the most supporters, while trade minister Penny Mordaunt is also proving popular.
Communities minister and “next-generation” candidate Kemi Badenoch had the support of former cabinet member Michael Gove, which boosted her candidacy.
Jake Berry, chairman of the Northern Research Group of Conservative lawmakers, stated that he would vote for Tom Tugendhat.
Recent contentious Brexit legislation was cited as one of Ms. Truss’s major accomplishments since she was generally expected to seek the top job.
In her piece for the Telegraph, the foreign secretary stated, “I am running because I can lead, deliver, and make difficult decisions.”
She is among the candidates pledging substantial tax cuts if elected.
Kwasi Kwarteng has already endorsed Ms. Truss, saying to The Sun that under her leadership, the United Kingdom will experience a new age of tax savings and business expansion.
If elected, former health secretary Sajid Javid pledged on Saturday to repeal the National Insurance increase and reduce company tax.
There has also been an examination of the business histories of several candidates, with Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi alleging he had been the target of “smears” due to newspaper accusations over his tax troubles.
Speaking with Kay Burley, the former businessman committed to releasing his annual financial statements if elected Conservative leader.
Grant Shapps, another candidate for the leadership, also released a campaign film to reassure Tory MPs anxious about their electoral prospects: “I can help you win your seat.”
“My case for leadership is straightforward: I can plan, execute, communicate, campaign, and help you win your seat,” he stated.
Monday, George Eustice provided Sky News with additional information regarding the leadership election process.
According to the environment secretary, there will likely be only two contenders by the end of next week.
“These two candidates will do a series of rallies across the nation in August, and possibly early September as well,” he added.
I anticipate that a new leader will be in place by the middle of September.
Bob Blackman, joint executive secretary of the 1922 Committee, stated that the Conservative Party leadership contenders will be reduced to two by next Thursday and that the support threshold to enter the race will likely be twenty.
“We need to reduce the number of candidates to two by Thursday, July 21,” he said. “This is the one goal we’re committed to achieving.”
This implies that we will conduct a series of votes over the next few days to reach this stance.
He stated that voting is anticipated to occur this Wednesday and Thursday and the following Tuesday and Wednesday.
