Who could replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister?
Former soldier Tom Tugendhat has become the first Tory MP to confirm he will contest to succeed Boris Johnson as Prime Minister.
The chairman of the House of Commons foreign affairs committee, who has never been in government, said he would offer the party a “fresh start” after Johnson announced his resignation on Thursday.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Tugendhat said: “I am putting together a broad coalition of colleagues that will bring new energy and ideas to government and finally overcome the Brexit divide that has dominated our recent history.
“I have served before – in the army, and now also in the parliament. Now I hope to answer the call again as Prime Minister. It’s time for a fresh start. It’s time for renewal.”
The revelation of the Tonbridge and Malling MP’s intentions comes after the PA news agency reported that former Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps were also considering entering the leadership race.
The schedule for the leadership race will be announced next week.
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Tory MPs will have the final say on Boris Johnson’s replacement – here’s what they believe
The whole of Britain will be watching as the race to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister begins, but only the members of the 200,000-strong Conservative Party have the final say on who will be the next leader of the country, writes my colleague Liam James.
Mr Johnson was the third Tory leader to be crowned by members since they were given a say in the matter in 2000 – before that it was up to party MPs alone. But while all sorts of details about MPs are in the public domain, relatively little is known about the larger Tory electorate.
Tory MPs will have the final say on the new Prime Minister, here’s what they believe
Meet the small but powerful electorate who hold Britain’s future in their hands… again
Stuti Mishra July 8, 2022 5:00 am
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There is no clear front-runner in the race to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister
The starting gun is firing in the race to replace Boris Johnson at No.10, but there is no clear favourite.
Mr Johnson will remain as Prime Minister until a successor is appointed, which is expected to take place by the Conservative Party conference in October.
Here are some of the potential contenders for the new Tory leader, in alphabetical order:
There is no clear front-runner in the race to replace Boris Johnson as Prime Minister
Mr Johnson will remain in office until a successor is chosen, which is expected to take place by the Conservative Party conference in October.
Stuti Mishra July 8, 2022 4:47 am
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ICYMI: Minister resumes work a day after quitting in protest
Conservative MP Will Quince has agreed to return to his old job as children’s secretary just a day after resigning in protest at having to defend Boris Johnson over the Chris Pincher scandal:
Read the full story here by Adam Forrest
Will Queens returns as minister 24 hours after quitting in protest
Minister resigns after being given ‘inaccurate’ assurances about Prime Minister Chris Pincher’s position
Lamiat Sabin July 8, 2022 03:00 am
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Biden: US to continue ‘close cooperation’ with UK
The United States will continue its “close cooperation” with the United Kingdom after the resignation of Boris Johnson, President Joe Biden has said.
In a brief statement, Mr. Biden did not mention Mr. Johnson by name or mention his resignation.
But he said his administration would continue to work with the UK government alongside other allies and partners.
Joe Biden and Boris Johnson at the recent G7 summit in Germany
(Stephan Russo/PA)
“The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of friends and allies and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring,” Mr Biden said in a statement carried by the ABC network.
“I look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the UK Government, as well as our allies and partners around the world, on a number of important priorities.
“This includes maintaining a strong and united approach to support the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin’s brutal war on their democracy and holding Russia accountable for its actions.”
Lamiat Sabin July 8, 2022 02:00 am
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Spectator party Tory MPs are silent on Boris Johnson
Several MPs who attended the Spectator’s summer party on Thursday night declined to comment on Boris Johnson’s resignation as Prime Minister.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, Education Secretary James Cleverley, former secretary Michael Gove – whom Mr Johnson sacked on Wednesday – and Cop26 president Alok Sharma brushed off reporters when asked who the next Conservative leader might be and what they thought of the prime minister.
Johnson’s sister, journalist Rachel Johnson, also declined to comment as she left the party.
Lamiat Sabin July 8, 2022 1:15 am
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Matt Hancock says he won’t run for prime minister
Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he will not run in the Conservative leadership election.
He was speaking outside the Spectator magazine summer party, where he stepped out to meet his partner Gina Coladangelo before heading back.
At the party, he said Boris Johnson was “certainly” the right man to lead the country for the next few months.
He told reporters: “No, I won’t last, but I do care a lot about someone who will work for the people and really make sure that the Conservative Party is there to get through the tough times.”
Lamiat Sabin July 8, 2022 12:30 am
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What can Boris Johnson do next?
Boris Johnson’s resignation has raised questions about where his career will go as he awaits the election of a new Tory leader to replace him as prime minister.
But in the unlikely event that he runs out of ideas for his next moves, he can take some inspiration from the post-Downing Street careers of his predecessors.
You can check out my compilation of what former prime ministers have been up to since leaving Downing Street here:
What can Boris Johnson do next? How former prime ministers spend their time now
Boris Johnson can take some inspiration from his predecessors
Lamiat Sabin July 7, 2022 11:45 pm
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Photos: The Prime Minister supported by his family and allies after his resignation
Pictures from behind the scenes at Downing Street show Boris Johnson surrounded by family and supporters shortly after announcing his resignation to the public.
(Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street)
Cabinet ministers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nadine Dorries were among those to welcome the Prime Minister back to Number 10 after he finished his speech on a podium outside – as Whitehall protesters booed.
(Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street)
Pictures showed Mr Johnson hugging his wife Carrie, whose daughter Romy was strapped to the front in a bassinet, and him hugging their son Wilfred – who has inherited his father’s shaggy blonde hair.
(Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street)
Lamiat Sabin July 7, 2022 11:01 pm
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Boris Johnson should remain Prime Minister until the autumn, says Dr Liam Fox
Former cabinet minister Dr Liam Fox said Boris Johnson should be able to stay in office until his successor is announced.
Mr Johnson, when he announced his resignation on Thursday, said he should be able to stay on as prime minister for the next few months.
Boris Johnson and Dr Liam Fox
(AFP via Getty Images)
Yesterday, Dr Fox – who served in government as international trade secretary until July 2019 – said Mr Johnson should leave and that he was “no longer trusted” as a leader.
Asked if Mr Johnson should stay until the autumn, Dr Fox said: “Yes, I think the precedent is there, David Cameron stayed until his successor was chosen, Theresa May stayed until her successor was chosen.
“So the precedent is clear and I think changing that would be a big mistake.”
Asked who he was supporting, Dr Fox replied: “Let’s see who the candidates are first.”
He added: “We need to have a leader who believes in Brexit, believes in the transatlantic alliance, believes in free trade and believes in free markets. It used to be called conservatism.
Lamiat Sabin July 7, 2022 10:30 pm
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Exclusive: Leaked £200,000 invoice for flat #11 refurbishment
The Independent has obtained a leaked copy of the invoice for the refurbishment of No 11 Downing Street, which shows it cost more than £200,000.
Items commissioned by Boris and Carrie Johnson from interior designer Lulu Little include a £3,675 drinks trolley, £2,260 worth of gold wallpaper which the Prime Minister has personally complained his wife bought and a £500 tablecloth.
Read the full story here by Simon Walters
Wallpapergate: Leaked invoice reveals PM’s flat had £7,000 carpet and £3,675 pram
Exclusive: Items commissioned by Boris Johnson and wife Carrie from Lulu Little include £2,260 ‘gold wallpaper’ and £500 tablecloth
Lamiat Sabin July 7, 2022 10:00 p.m
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