Kemi Badenoch
(Picture: PA)Kemi Badenoch became the latest Tory MP to declare support for Rishi Sunak as Britain’s next prime minister in a major blow for Boris Johnson.
International Trade Secretary Badenoch writes in The Sunday Times that she believes Sunak “is the man for the job”.
She took part in the Conservative leadership race during the summer but did not get through to the last rounds.
Badenoch is seen to be on the Tory right and was appointed trade secretary by Liz Truss who resigned on Thursday.
The MP said the UK now faces problems “so acute that only straight-talking about what is required will do”.
Badenoch goes on to compare Margaret Thatcher’s success to that of Sunak.
She added: “I have, on occasion, been a member of the Boris Johnson fan club. Even when I resigned from his government, I acknowledged his many strengths. He has been an asset to the country during some very difficult times.
“However, I am an even bigger fan of Margaret Thatcher, a formidable politician who did not duck difficult decisions, was extremely prudent and successfully carried out major reforms by winning the argument and taking the public with her.
“Mrs Thatcher won the public’s trust and three elections in a row by making it about us, not about her. We need someone who can do the same. I believe that person is Rishi Sunak.”
The party needs a unifying figure to do what’s right for the UK. At this moment, I believe that person is Rishi. I’m a fan of Boris but his return, given all that’s happened would not bring people together. We all need to set aside our differences and work for the greater good. https://t.co/xVZdoXU0rw pic.twitter.com/ILxXJoyF0s
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 22, 2022
Meanwhile, trade minister Greg Hands has said backing Johnson for PM again would be a “retrograde” step because he cannot form an effective government,
It was not the partygate scandal which forced Johnson to resign as PM in the summer, but the fact that more than 60 ministers and parliamentary private secretaries had abandoned his government, according to Hands.
He recalled that in the dying hours of leadership in July, Johnson offered him the Northern Ireland secretary job “(a position not to be thrown around lightly), if I could just show the world he could indeed form a government”.
He added: “I think he would have offered me almost anything. I refused.
“Indeed, as we sat there, more resignations of junior ministers, whips and PPSs were coming in.
“I told him he had to resign, as he couldn’t form a government. Doubtless others said the same. The next morning, he duly did resign.
“I have no reason to have any more confidence today that he could put together an effective government.”
He also tweeted: “68 members of the Govt had resigned in 24 hours – and more were coming. How could any of those 68 now serve, just weeks after? People forget quickly. I don’t.”
Hands is once again backing former chancellor Sunak after he lost out last time to Truss.
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt is the only candidate who has so far officially declared she is running.
Johnson is to face an inquiry into whether he lied to the Commons over the partygate scandal, for which he was fined by police.
If found guilty by the Commons Privileges Committee, he could face recall proceedings that would leave him battling for his seat in the Commons if he receives a suspension of 10 days or more.
His popularity with the public has crashed, even if he still rides high with the Tory membership.
Some MPs have even suggested they could resign the party whip if he wins.
