With 11 candidates announced so far, Conservative MPs are now deciding who they’re backing to become their next leader – and the new prime minister.
The rules of the race to replace Boris Johnson will be set out by the party’s 1922 Committee on Monday evening.
But with so many running, party officials are looking to whittle it down to “serious candidates only” by increasing the level of MP support needed to stay in the contest.
According to Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, leadership candidates could need at least 36 MPs (10% of the parliamentary party) backing them to remain eligible.
Rishi Sunak – 35
Despite several setbacks in recent months, including his poorly received National Insurance increase and scrutiny over his wife’s tax affairs, the former chancellor is currently in the lead.
After resigning as Chancellor last week, he has the backing of just one member of the cabinet – House of Commons leader Mark Spencer.
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Also among his supporters are former party chair Oliver Dowden, Theresa May’s international trade secretary Liam Fox, who helped oversee Brexit negotiations, former housing secretary Robert Jenrick, and Helen Whately, former Treasury minister.
Penny Mordaunt – 21
The international trade minister has kept a low profile during Boris Johnson’s tenure, having been sacked as defence secretary by him after he entered Downing Street.
But she is still among the frontrunners.
None of the current cabinet have publicly backed her, but as an ardent Brexiteer she has the support of former Commons leader Dame Andrea Leadsom and vocal Johnson supporter Michael Fabricant, who describes her as “socially liberal”.
Tom Tugendhat – 18
In spite of his lack of ministerial experience, Tom Tugendhat is another popular choice.
The former soldier has long been critical of Mr Johnson, particularly over the UK’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, in his role as chair of the foreign affairs select committee.
Originally a remainer, but a loyalist on Brexit, he has the backing of International Trade Secretary Anne Marie Trevelyan.
Liz Truss – 15
Like Rishi Sunak, the foreign secretary has long been touted a potential successor to Boris Johnson.
She is the longest serving member of the cabinet of all the candidates – having worked under David Cameron, Theresa May and Mr Johnson.
Ms Truss also has the backing of the most cabinet members.
They include Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke.
Nadhim Zahawi – 13
Having made his name as vaccines minister during the pandemic, Mr Zahawi has replaced Rishi Sunak as chancellor.
So far he has the support of former cabinet members Brandon Lewis – ex-Northern Ireland secretary – and Michelle Donelan, who briefly served as education secretary before the PM’s resignation.
Kemi Badenoch – 13
Essex MP Kemi Badenoch is tied with the chancellor on her number of backers.
The most notable among her supporters is Michael Gove, who was sacked as levelling up secretary by Boris Johnson having reportedly told him to resign before he succumbed to pressure last week.
Dr Caroline Johnson, vice Conservative Party chairman, has also declared her support, saying she has “energy, clarity and vision”.
Suella Braverman – 11
Brexiteer Attorney General Suella Braverman enjoys the backing of many of her fellow Leave supporters, including vocal campaigner Steve Baker and Sir Desmond Swayne.
Mr Baker wrote in The Daily Telegraph that “without Suella there would be no Brexit”.
She has remained loyal to Boris Johnson, claiming he “broke the Brexit deadlock”.
Sajid Javid – 10
Throwing his hat in the ring for the second time, Sajid Javid is being backed mostly by his former ministers after resigning as health secretary last week.
His old health minister Ed Argar has pledged his support after he too resigned last week, as has his former private parliamentary secretary during his time as chancellor – Rachael Maclean.
Jeremy Hunt – 9
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt is the other candidate trying for a second time to become leader.
Among his supporters is former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey, who like him, served in Theresa May’s cabinet.
He has said he would choose her for deputy PM if he wins.
Andrew Mitchell, chief whip under David Cameron, has also said he will be backing Mr Hunt for leader.
Grant Shapps – 7
The transport secretary sits a long way back in the contest currently.
His cabinet colleague, Environment Secretary George Eustice, has come out to support him, as has his Department of Transport colleague Robert Courts.
Rehman Chishti – 0
Relatively unknown outside the Tory Party and his constituency, Rehman Chishti is currently a minister at the Foreign Office.
As the latest to declare his candidacy he is yet to get any public declarations of support – but this is likely to change soon.
