After Boris Johnson’s resignation statement, the field of interested successors continues to expand. Over the weekend, several other politicians announced their candidacy for the post of leader of the Conservative Party, which will also be the next prime minister. It now seems possible that a dozen candidates could try their luck before the deadline. However, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace also lost to a favorite.
Former Chancellor of the Treasury Rishi Sunak has received the most attention so far, appearing on social media with a professional video. The project (and the anticipated acquisition of the domain) fueled suspicions that his candidacy had been prepared for a long time and shed new light on his resignation, which on Tuesday began a series of dismissals and with it the political end of Johnson. Downing Street newspapers, where Johnson wants to remain in office until his successor is elected, reported that his supporters wanted to prevent the “traitor” from winning. Anonymous briefings also circulated against other candidates, who worked with references and derogatory rumours.
In his underlined music video, which covered his Indian family’s immigration history, Sunak, 42, presented himself as a “serious candidate for serious times”. “Are we facing this moment with honesty, seriousness and determination, or are we telling ourselves fairy tales that will make us feel better in the moment but make our children poorer in the future?” he asked. This was interpreted as an attack on Johnson, who wanted to cut taxes and expand state aid at the same time.
Sunak’s commitment to budget discipline sets it apart from nearly all of its competitors. Most promise sweeping tax cuts, including former ministers Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt, and current Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, whose candidacy has been overshadowed by reports he is under investigation for tax evasion. Outside candidates Tom Tugendhat, Suella Braverman and Kemi Badenoch also campaigned for greater relief for citizens.
Will the successor be decided before the summer break?
In addition to tax policy, political culture is emerging as a topic for nominating candidates. After a secretary of state close to Johnson was filmed pointing the finger at protesters outside Downing Street, several candidates spoke out about the politicians’ behavior. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps called for “high standards of decency for all”. In her video, candidate Penny Mordaunt resisted the personalization that progressed further under Johnson. “It should be a little less about the guide and a lot more about the ship,” the clip read. Consequently, Mordaunt refrained from making a personal appearance and only showed himself in a photo at the end of the video.
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Secretary of State Liz Truss and possibly Home Secretary Priti Patel are also expected to run in the coming days. The extraordinarily high proportion of women and politicians with a migrant background is impressive. The procedure and timetable for the election will not be announced until early this week. The Conservative faction’s “Committee of 1922” said over the weekend that the field would be reduced to two candidates by July 21 at the latest. If the runner-up withdraws his candidacy, the change in the post of prime minister could take place before the summer break. Otherwise, Conservative Party members would likely have to vote by mail for their new leader in early September.