https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/rishi-sunak-top-contender-to-be-new-uk-pm

Rishi Sunak top contender to be new UK PM

Resigned UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is a top contender to be the new British Prime Minister, following Boris Johnson's resignation from the Conservative Party two days ago, Business Standard reported.

Sunak gained huge popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic after proposing a package worth tens of billions of pounds to support businesses and workers.

The Attorney General in the UK Cabinet from the Tory party, Suella Braverman, was early to formally declare her leadership bid. She is likely to win some support from the pro-Brexit wing of her party.

"I am putting myself forward because I believe that the 2019 manifesto is fit for purpose, presents a bold and inspiring vision for our country and I want to deliver on the promises contained in that manifesto. I want to embed the opportunities of Brexit and tidy up the outstanding issues…and cut taxes,” Braverman indicated.

Her Fellow Brexiteer, Steve Baker - who served as chair of the European Research Group - also declared his intention to run for the race.

However, a YouGov poll of Tory members published by The Daily Telegraph showed that UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace became the frontrunner to become the Prime Minister.

It is noteworthy that the Tory party's 1922 Committee would set a timetable for a leadership contest. For a Tory MP to enter the race for prime minister, they should be nominated by eight colleagues.

If more than one MP wanted to run as prime minister, a series of secret ballots would be held to settle for one Tory nominee.

The YouGov survey showed that Wallace has 13% support ahead of junior minister Penny Mordaunt on 12%, while Sunak is at 10% in the survey.

Jeremy Hunt, Former UK Foreign Secretary came in on a joint 5% alongside the new Chancellor and former Health and Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi.

Zahawi reportedly has been working with Australian political strategist Sir Lynton Crosby, the man behind Boris Johnson's 2019 electoral win.