The Tory leadership race may be over sooner than expected, as suggested by Boris Johnson at what may be his last Prime Minister’s Questions. Johnson’s successor as the new leader of the Conservative party was due to be announced on September 5 at the conclusion of a contest between several top Tories, but he has now indicated the new leader could be chosen “by acclamation” rather than requiring a vote.
The first round of voting in the leadership contest was taking place on Wednesday afternoon after the number of MPs competing for the position was reduced to eight on Tuesday. Subsequent rounds of voting by MPs will whittle those in the contest down to a final two, with the membership of the Tory party then deciding on the eventual winner who is due to be named on September 5
Mr Johnson is expected to face one final session of Prime Minister’s Questions next week, but his indication today raises the prospect of a new leader being in place before then. He said: “The next leader of my party may be elected by acclamation so it’s possible this will be our last confrontation.”
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