Shapps told The Sunday Times he wanted to focus on economic recovery. For example, he wants to address the impact of inflation and the energy crisis by cutting taxes on the lowest incomes and providing state aid to energy-consuming companies. Shapps however will not hold new national elections if he is elected by his own party.

Sky News wrote that Zahawi would formally run as a candidate on Monday, but cited Zahawi’s speech that would indicate the candidacy. “The tax burden is too high. As a businessman and entrepreneur, I know that lower taxes contribute to a healthy and dynamic economy. Under my watch, taxes will be lower for individuals, families and businesses.”

Hunt and Javid also indicated in separate interviews with The Telegraph that they wanted to lower taxes. Truss will spread “classic conservative principles” according to the Mail on Sunday.

The Independent newspaper reported on Saturday that Zahawi, who was appointed finance minister this week after Rishi Sunak stepped down, was being investigated by Britain’s tax authorities, a body under his own department. At the same time, the newspaper wrote that Zahawi was not under any suspicion.

Since Johnson had resigned as party leader from the Conservative Party, the party had to find a new leader. He automatically becomes Prime Minister of the UK. According to British media, a new party leader will be elected in September.

With the new (upcoming) candidate, there are now nine candidates for the post of prime minister. Resigned Finance Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Friday that he is also running as a candidate. British newspapers questioned Sunak’s swift campaign. He is said to have registered his campaign website in December.

Others who have confirmed they will run in the leadership election include Tom Tugendhat, Suella Braverman and Kemi Badenoch. One of the favourites, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, said on Saturday he did not want to be prime minister. He wanted to focus on his current job. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab is also not running in the election.