Who could replace Boris Johnson in the role of prime minister?
Former soldier Tom Tugendhat has become the first Tory MP to confirm that he will compete to succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister.
The chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, who has never served in government, said he would offer the party a “fresh start” after Mr Johnson announced his resignation on Thursday.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Tugendhat said: “I am putting together a broad coalition of colleagues that will bring new energy and ideas to government and, finally, to bridge the Brexit divide that has dominated our recent history.
“I have served before – in the military, and now in Parliament. Now I hope to answer the call once again as prime minister. It’s time for a clean start. It’s time for renewal.”
The revealing of intentions by the Tonbridge and Malling MP comes after PA news agency reported that former health secretary Sajid Javid and transport secretary Grant Shapps are also considering running in the leadership race.
A timetable for the leadership race will be announced next week.
ICYMI: Minister resumes job day after quitting in protest
Conservative MP Will Quince has agreed to return to his old job as children’s minister only one day after resigning in protest at having to defend Boris Johnson over the Chris Pincher scandal:
Read the full story here by Adam Forrest
Will Quince returns as minister 24 hours after quitting in protest
Minister resigned after being given ‘inaccurate’ assurances about PM’s Chris Pincher position
Lamiat Sabin8 July 2022 03:00
Biden: US will continue ‘close co-operation’ with UK
The United States will continue its “close co-operation” with the UK in the wake of Boris Johnson’s resignation, president Joe Biden said.
In a brief statement, Mr Biden did not mention Mr Johnson by name or refer to his resignation.
But he said his administration would continue to work with the UK government alongside other allies and partners.
“The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of friends and allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring,” Mr Biden said in the statement reported by the ABC network.
“I look forward to continuing our close co-operation with the government of the United Kingdom, as well as our allies and partners around the world, on a range of important priorities.
“That includes maintaining a strong and united approach to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin’s brutal war on their democracy, and holding Russia accountable for its actions.”
Lamiat Sabin8 July 2022 02:00
Tory MPs at Spectator party silent on Boris Johnson
Several MPs who attended the Spectator summer party on Thursday night refused to comment on Boris Johnson’s resignation as prime minister.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, education secretary James Cleverly, former levelling up secretary Michael Gove – who Mr Johnson sacked on Wednesday – and Cop26 president Alok Sharma ignored reporters when they were asked who the future leader of the Conservatives could be and what they thought about the PM.
Mr Johnson’s sister, journalist Rachel Johnson, also declined to comment as she left the party.
Lamiat Sabin8 July 2022 01:15
Matt Hancock says he will not launch bid to become PM
Former health secretary Matt Hancock has said he will not be running in the Conservative leadership election.
He was speaking outside of Spectator magazine’s summer party, where he went outside to meet his partner Gina Coladangelo before heading back in.
At the party, he said Boris Johnson was…
Read More: Boris Johnson resigns latest– live: Tom Tugendhat launches leadership bid after PM quits