Last night, Rishi Sunak announced his bid on social media, promising to “restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country”. The former chancellor, who resigned in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night sparking an avalanche of government resignations, was quickly endorsed by a large number of Conservative MPs. They included Commons leader Mark Spencer, who said Sunak “is the leader who can bring the party together” and former Conservative Party leader Oliver Dowden, who described the former chancellor as “the best person to lead our country and arguably the best person to beat Labour.” Former cabinet minister Liam Fox said Mr Sunak was the only candidate who had the “experience, integrity and vision” to lead the country through the economic challenges it currently faces. Announcing his intention to join the race, Mr Sunak said the country faced “enormous challenges”. In a video posted alongside a tweet pitching himself as the next head of the party, Mr Sunak said: “I want to lead this country in the right direction.” He also pointed to his experience during the pandemic as an example of why he is fit for the job. “I ran the toughest department in government during the toughest times as we faced the COVID nightmare,” he continued. “My values are non-negotiable: patriotism, justice, hard work. “We are tired of division. “Politics at its best is a unifying endeavor, and I’ve spent my career bringing people together. Because that’s the only way to succeed.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2:46 Who will be the next prime minister? Mr Sunak’s campaign website, www.ready4rishi.com, appears to have been originally registered under a slightly different name – www.readyforrishi.com – which redirects to the official page and was created in December last year. On Thursday night, Tom Tugendhat became the first MP to say he would stand to replace Mr Johnson in a Tory leadership contest. Mr Tugendhat, chairman of parliament’s foreign affairs committee, said “the time has come for renewal”. Writing in The Telegraph, Mr Tugendhat said: “I have served in the past – in the army and now in parliament. Now I hope to answer the call once again as prime minister.” Image: Kemi Badenoch has put herself forward for the top spot. Photo: British Parliament Confirming her intention to run to The Times, former Equality Secretary Kemi Badenoch set out her plan to radically reduce the size of the state and preside over a “limited government focused on the basics”. Sky News understands that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is also considering a bid for the leadership – as is former Health Secretary Sajid Javid. Dominic Raab, who took over as prime minister when Boris Johnson was struck down by the coronavirus in spring 2020, will not be a candidate. Follow The Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker Not the former upgrade secretary, Michael Gove, nor Matt Hancock, who resigned from the government after flouting COVID rules during the lockdown. Read more: How did the world react to Boris Johnson’s resignation? Election promises – how much progress has been made? Speaking before Mr Johnson’s resignation, Attorney General Suella Braverman said she would put her name forward if a leadership contest arose. Brexiteer Steve Baker confirmed on Friday night that he would not stand, despite the possibility of doing so, and would instead back Ms Braverman. “My priorities were to deliver on our manifesto with our mandate, cut taxes and get through Brexit,” he posted on social media. “Thankfully I no longer have to stand. Suella Braverman will deliver these priorities and more.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 5:20 The fall of Boris Johnson Ben Wallace is the favorite to succeed Mr Johnson as Tory leader and prime minister, having boosted the party’s popularity in recent months. The latest YouGov poll of Tory members shows the defense secretary as the clear favorite to be the next leader, beating all the main expected contenders, including Mr Sunak, Penny Mordaunt and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. However, he has yet to throw his hat in the ring. Read more: Who are the frontrunners to replace Johnson? The rise and fall of Boris Johnson Sky News political correspondent Joe Pike understands Wallace is discussing the matter with his family before deciding how to proceed. Mr Sunak’s announcement saw bookmakers Ladbrokes install him as joint favorite to succeed Mr Johnson alongside Wallace. Image: Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is expected to launch a bid More offers are expected in the coming days, including Mr Sunak’s successor as chancellor, Nadim Zahawi, and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. Following the 1922 executive committee elections on Monday, the new body will draw up a timetable for leadership elections. Mr Johnson said he wants to stay at Number 10 until the competition is over. Labor has confirmed it will table a vote of no confidence in the Commons government if Johnson refuses to go voluntarily.
