Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak has formally announced he will stand in the contest to replace Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservatives. He posted a video on Twitter to share the news, using the hashtag "Ready4Rishi" and launching a website with the same slogan.
He said: "I’m standing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and your Prime Minister. Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country."
The Commons Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Tom Tugendhat was the first contender to throw his hat in the ring, saying he was putting together a “broad coalition” offering a “clean start”. Among the early favourites are Mr Sunak and the man who succeeded him as Chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi.
Elsewhere, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace are both thought to have significant support. Other ministers considering a run include Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, Attorney General Suella Braverman and the Cabinet Office Minister Penny Mordaunt.
