London: Rishi Sunak looks set to become UK’s next prime minister after Boris Johnson ended his bid in a surprise decision. The other contender, Penny Mordaunt, is way off securing the crucial number required to contest the election to replace Liz Truss.
Mr Sunak has the support of 142 members of the parliament – far above the 100-mark required to bag the top job. He made the renewed attempt to contest for the post on Sunday, just weeks after losing to Liz Truss in the summer leadership contest.
“I want to fix our economy, unite our party and deliver for our country,” the Indian-origin former chancellor said in a short statement confirming his widely expected candidacy.
Boris Johnson, who cut short a holiday in the Caribbean to try and secure the backing of 100 lawmakers to enter Monday’s contest, pulled out in a surprise move on Sunday, saying he would not be able to lead “a united party in parliament”.
Mr Johnson’s exit leaves Penny Mordaunt as the only challenger to Rishi Sunak but she is way off securing 100 backers. Ms Mordaunt, who entered the race on Friday, reportedly has the support of 29 MPs.
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