Anaïs Cordoba (in London) with AFP, edited by Laura Laplaud
The resignation of British Prime Minister Liz Truss has triggered a new internal Conservative Party ballot to ensure that her successor is appointed by October 28 at the latest. Two candidates are officially declared: former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and current Minister for Relations with Parliament Penny Mordaunt.
Who will succeed Liz Truss? Britain’s prime minister tendered her resignation last week, after spending just 44 days at London’s famed 10 Downing Street. And against all odds, Boris Johnson, who had cut short his vacation in the Caribbean to attempt a return to Downing Street, decided to throw in the towel. A withdrawal that surprised everyone, especially since he claimed to have enough sponsorships to stay in the race.
Did Boris Johnson have the necessary sponsorships?
In his press release, Boris Johnson claims to have received the support of 102 MPs. So why is he withdrawing? Because he could not govern effectively in a united party in Parliament, he said in his press release. Did he really have 102 sponsorships? We ignore it. But we know that only 59 MPs publicly supported him.
“Rishi is the man we need”
This withdrawal comes after two hard blows: the first is the refusal of the candidate Penny Mordaunt to withdraw to ally with him. The second, watching several of his former supporters finally line up behind Rishi Sunak, his rival and former finance minister, like eurosceptic MP Steve Baker. “I have been a big fan of Boris Johnson, but here Boris’ style is not suited to the situation. Above all, we need stability and professionalism. We need to take this country forward in a moment of great difficulty. Rishi is the man we need, he will govern in a competent, professional manner that will inspire confidence,” he said.
Boris Johnson is not completely abandoning the idea of a return in the near future since, in his press release, he says he is well placed to secure a victory for the Conservatives in the 2024 elections. In the meantime, the big favorite to enter Downing Street is now Rishi Sunak, its former finance minister and the first candidate to lodge his 100 endorsements.