The News of ex-PM, Boris Johnson’s possible comeback creates a new ripple on the political scene of the UK and sends new interests across the globe
Boris Johnson is on his way back to London from his holiday in the Caribbean as speculation grows that he will enter the race.
The Trade Minister Sir James Duddridge said the former prime minister told him that he was “up for it.”
BBC Reports that supporters of the former chancellor, Rishi Sunak, say he’s got the backing of the 100 Conservative MPs needed to enter the race. But Sunak hasn’t yet said he is standing.
The Leader of the Commons, Penny Mordaunt, is the only person to announce their candidacy so far
Leadership hopefuls have until 14:00 on Monday to gather the support of 100 MPs, with a new PM declared by Friday.
Boris Johnson, the man ousted as UK prime minister by his own government just three months ago, has emerged as an early front-runner to be the next prime minister.
A second Johnson premiership would be an extraordinary turnaround even for a politician who has made miraculous comebacks before.
The last time anyone returned to the office of prime minister after losing the leadership of their party was 140 years ago, when William Gladstone returned to lead the Liberals – although some party leaders have had two stints as PM, including Sir Winston Churchill and Harold Wilson.
The final months of Johnson’s time in office were dogged by accusations he had broken ministerial rules by not telling the truth about Covid lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street.
He remains under investigation by the Parliamentary Standards Committee, which could, in theory, lead to him being suspended from Parliament, or even being kicked out as an MP.
Johnson has yet to officially announce he will stand, but his former press secretary Will Walden has told Sky News Johnson is “clearly taking soundings” on a leadership bid.
In his final appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions in July this year, Johnson signed off with “hasta la vista, baby” (which translates as “see you later”).
He could only have dropped a heavier hint that he was not finished yet if he had used another catchphrase from the Terminator films: “I’ll be back.”
The state of play this morning
As it stands, onlyPenny Mordaunthas officially declared she is standing to be the next Tory Party leader and prime minister – with 21 Tory MPs publicly supporting her bid so far.
Rishi Sunakleads Tory MPs’ nominations to take over from Liz Truss, with 95 colleagues backing him by our count – although his supporters say he has already reached the 100 needed by 14:00 BST on Monday to get on the ballot.
Boris Johnson, who is currently flying back to the UK from a holiday in the Caribbean, told an ally he’s “up for” entering the race – and is second to his former chancellor with 45 MPs pledging support.
Our tally is based on MPs telling the BBC who they’re backing, or publicly declaring for a potential candidate.
Meanwhile,other namesmentioned as potential runners are former leadership hopefuls Suella Braverman and Kemi Badenoch – but neither have much in the way of supporters, and time is of the essence.
Other big names that have ruled themselves out include Michael Gove, Ben Wallace and Jeremy Hunt.
It’s a fast-moving situation in Westminster, so stick with us for updates as soon as we get them.
It’s been an extremely busy few days in Westminster and you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by the avalanche of news – but don’t worry, Newscast has you covered.
As we’ve been reporting, rumours are swirling about who will join Penny Mordaunt in putting themselves forward to become the next prime minister.
BBC Newscast’s Adam Fleming is joined by former communications director to Boris Johnson, Will Walden, to discuss the possible contenders and whether Johnson could be eyeing up a return.