Boris Johnson is expected to enter the race to become Tory leader and Prime Minister, the Times' Steven Swinford reports. The former Prime Minister won a landslide majority of 80 seats in the 2019 General Election but left office after a premiership defined by the pandemic, lockdowns and scandals over sleaze, 'Partygate,' and ministerial behaviour.
The Times reports that Mr Johnson believes it would be a matter of "national interest" for him to take over after leaving office just six weeks ago. He is reportedly "taking soundings from friends" over a possible return and is currently on holiday in the Caribbean (meaning he missed Wednesday's crunch vote on fracking that ultimately brought down Liz Truss' leadership for good).
He hasn't yet publicly put his name down for the leadership race. Kemi Badenoch is reportedly expected to enter the fray, according to Sky News, as are Penny Mordaunt and Rishi Sunak. Allies of Michael Gove have said he won't stand and Jeremy Hunt has also ruled himself out.
READ MORE: Liz Truss quits as Prime Minister after just weeks in the job - live updates
Some Tory MPs have thrown their support behind Mr Johnson nonetheless. Paul Bristow, the MP for Peterborough, told Sky: "I went to my constituency at the weekend and I always want to talk to my constituents and see how they feel... the strong message that I got was: 'Bring back Boris Johnson.'
"The Conservative members certainly agree with me. It's about making sure that we win as many seats as we possibly can, we get back to good government and we get back on the right track. Boris Johnson has a mandate from the members and a mandate from the country."
Nadine Dorries, famously one of Mr Johnson's key allies during his time as PM when she served as culture secretary, tweeted before Liz Truss even resigned: "One person was elected by the British public with a manifesto and a mandate until January ‘25.
"If Liz Truss is no longer PM there can be no coronation of previously failed candidates. MPs must demand return of @BorisJohnson - if not it has to be leadership election or a GE."
At the time of writing, Rishi Sunak is the favourite for the leadership with Ladbrokes, at 5/6. Penny Mordaunt follows at 2/1, but Boris Johnson looms not far behind at 3/1. Ben Wallace, Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman , Grant Shapps and Jeremy Hunt all trail behind them, looking significantly less likely.
Oddschecker shows similar names in a similar order, but gives Jeremy Hunt more of a chance at 7/2. But Keir Starmer's chances of being Prime Minister after the next general election dwarf them all, at 2/9.
James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, Tweeted: "I hope you enjoyed your holiday boss. Time to come back. Few issues at the office that need addressing. #bringbackboris." However, one Tory MP messaged ITV's Paul Brand saying: "If Boris Johnson came back I'd resign."
READ NEXT:
