Indian-origin MP Rishi Sunak, who claims to have the backing of 100 Conservative party MPs, has officially launched his campaign for the UK prime minister’s post on Sunday.
“The United Kingdom is a great country but we face a profound economic crisis. That’s why I am standing to be Leader of the Conservative Party and your next Prime Minister,” Sunak said in a tweet.
“I want to fix our economy, unite our Party and deliver for our country,” he added.
Sunak was defeated by Truss in the race to replace Boris Johnson in September after losing an election held by members of the Conservative party across the country.
Apart from Sunak, Penny Mordaunt is the only other Conservative party leader to have officially launched her campaign.
If there is only one candidate with over 100 nominations from lawmakers by Monday, that person will be announced as the winner. But both Rishi Sunak and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson have drummed up the support of 100 MPs, according to the latest reports.
If Penny Mordaunt also secures the support of 100 MPs, a vote by Conservative party MPs will eliminate one candidate (with the fewest votes), with party MPs voting to indicate their preference.
Then Conservative party delegates will vote online to elect their new leaders. But the rule requiring a vote of members only applies if there are two remaining candidates. Even if two candidates emerge in the PM race, it’s possible the members won’t get the final say if a candidate drops out.
Before the vote among party members closes, it is hoped the two candidates will take part in a television debate, the BBC reported.
If there are two candidates on that ballot, it will be indicative. This means it will show who has the most support among MPs.
The UK will hopefully have its new PM by October 28, and the incoming PM will also have the unenviable task of bringing back on track the country’s economy, which is staring at a recession.
