A new Prime Minister for the UK will be announced on September 5, it's been revealed. The leader of the Conservative Party's powerful 1922 Committee has announced that as the day Boris Johnson's successor will be confirmed.
Nominations for the role will open and close on Tuesday (July 12). Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee, said he hopes the contest will bring "proper constructive debate".
In order to stand, a candidate must gain the support of 20 MPs. This rule means the less well-known contenders may not have a chance of making it onto the ballot paper.
As of 7.45pm today, 11 Tories have put themselves forward to replace Boris Johnson, with Penny Mordaunt narrowly leading the race according to a poll from Conservative Home (known as the Tory bible). But Rishi Sunak has the most backing from MPs who have publicly announced their plans to support his leadership, reports MirrorOnline.
The former Chancellor is one of three MPs who have at least 20 party colleagues supporting their campaigns so far, alongside Ms Mordaunt and Tom Tugendhat. Jacob Rees-Mogg who was considering throwing his hat into the ring has ruled out standing in the leadership race, the Mirror understands.
All 358 Tory MPs will vote in the first ballot on Wednesday, and a second ballot is set to take place on Thursday. This is governed by 1922 committee rules which are reportedly moving the contest on as MPs prepare to go on their summer break.
Sir Graham confirmed the new Tory leader will be announced in eight weeks, but not say when the final vote between two MPs will take place. With the first ballot just days away, more and more Tories are setting a firmer line on who is getting their support and why.
'Brexit hardman' Steve Baker ruled out supporting Jacob Rees-Mogg, who was considering joining the race, insisting he would not be able to win a general election. Mr Baker, who is Suella Braverman's campaign manager, told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme: “There’s a danger of fragmentation.
"Kemi Badenoch has decided to stand, I’m afraid as much fond as I am of Kemi, it’s a bit improbable. She hasn’t been in the Cabinet; Suella has been in the Cabinet and without Cabinet experience it’s difficult to see that somebody – while we’re in power – should become prime minister."
