Former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch was an unexpected name to be one of the first Conservative MPs out of the blocks to declare she wanted to replace Boris Johnson as prime minister.
In a crowded field of candidates, the ex-McDonald’s employee saw her profile boosted when Michael Gove - a man who has held a host of Cabinet positions, including education secretary - backed her for leader.
Mr Gove is not known for his loyalty - he famously knifed Mr Johnson in the 2016 Tory leadership contest, causing him to pull out of the race and allow Theresa May to be selected - but he said he likes Kemi’s “focus, intellect and no-bull***t drive”.
