The Latest Breaking News from Ben Wallace

As many as a dozen candidates were on Friday eyeing up replacing Boris Johnson as British prime minister after he was forced to quit by his own party, with opponents saying they want him out of Downing Street immediately.

Tom Tugendhat has become the first contender to throw his hat in the ring

In today’s newsletter: The aftermath of Johnson’s decision to stand down. Plus: Abe shows no vital signs after gun attack

THE Tory leadership contest is now unofficially under way, with Boris Johnson’s resignation setting the wheels in motion for a new prime minister…

Boris Johnson will remain as Prime Minister until a successor is in place

Mr Johnson will remain in the role until a successor is in place, expected to be by October’s Conservative Party conference.

Following the surprise resignations of Chancellor Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid, which precipitated a wave of more than 50 resignations by MPs and other government officials, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced he would resign on Thursday.

Boris Johnson's allies say that devotion to duty is why he wants to stay on at No10 until a new Conservative leader is elected - but sources say he wants to hold a lavish wedding bash at Chequers

Some potential contenders have already made their ambitions clear, while others are yet to announce their candidacy.

Gove and Raab have ruled themselves out, but many others from different wings of Tory party are mulling their chances

The defence secretary dodged answering questions on whether he run for leadership, insisting he will continue to focus on his job