Britain will learn today who will serve as its next prime minister, a third in two months, after former Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that he would abandon his bid to return to power, the path seems clear enough for Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister. English. the finance minister who led the movement to oust Johnson over the summer.

Competitors to lead the ruling Conservative Party and the state face a 2pm deadline local time to win the support of at least 100 of their party mates in Parliament (out of 357).

By the early hours of the morning, Sunak had already had the backing halfway through the game, comfortably over the bar as Boris Johnson’s supporters backed him.

Another candidate announced is House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt, but with some of Johnson’s supporters turning his back on his ways so far, it’s unclear if he can reach the threshold.

Mordaunt said he was encouraged to run by colleagues who wanted a “fresh start”, but some Conservatives saw him as a compromise candidate for politicians who were hesitant about Sunak.

British Prime Minister Liz Truss resigns after 44 days in office

Who is Rishi Sunak?

Rishi Sunak is a British politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 13 February 2020 to 5 July 2022.

He fought Liz Truss to lead Britain’s Conservative Party after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his scandal-ridden resignation in July.

Educated at one of the UK’s most prestigious private schools, such as Johnson’s, he has a resume with degrees from Oxford and Stanford Universities and stints at investment bank Goldman Sachs.

He is one of the richest British politicians, married to Indian tech heir Akshata Murtywhose tax problems caused the former finance minister’s political awkwardness during his summer leadership campaign.

If finally elected, Sunak, 42, will become the country’s first prime minister of South Asian ancestry. He was born in Southampton, England, and his parents, of Indian origin, immigrated to the country from East Africa.

“It is very clear that Rishi Sunak has what it takes to meet the challenges we face – he is the right person to lead our Party,” former cabinet minister Sajid Javid said in an announcement of his support.

“He has the talent, integrity and humility to give us a fresh start and a steady hand,” tweeted Conservative MP Gavin Williamson, while others praised Sunak’s “competence” and “economic foresight”.

However, Sunak’s critics suggest that he betrayed Johnson, his former boss, when he stepped down as finance minister in early July.

It led to the collapse of the cabinet soon after and then the downfall of Johnson.

Main news sources: Washington Post.