By Dr Victoria Honeyman, PhD, University of Leeds — The Conversation, Thursday 7 July 2022
Most prime ministers would have resigned over any one of the scandals to engulf Boris Johnson’s government. Johnson, never one for tradition or rules, rode out nearly every crisis — but the Chris Pincher affair was the final straw. Led by Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, over 50 members of Johnson’s government resigned in a day and a half. Johnson has now resigned as party leader, vowing to remain Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen. His successor will have a difficult job: strengthening the Conservative party before the next general election, distancing themselves from the more problematic aspects of Johnson’s legacy, and appealing to the electorate.
The likely contenders: Ben Wallace — Defence Secretary, considered a serious contender who was pivotal in the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Early polling suggests Wallace is the candidate to beat. Penny Mordaunt — Minister of State for Trade Policy, very respected within the Conservative party and a former defence minister and Royal Navy reservist. Rishi Sunak — the former chancellor who was once considered leader in waiting, but questions over his wife’s tax status and his own Downing Street lockdown fine have hurt his standing. Sajid Javid — has resigned from a Johnson cabinet twice, is considered capable but some worry about his judgment in rejoining the cabinet. Nadhim Zahawi — who came to prominence during the vaccine rollout but whose move to the Treasury just before telling Johnson to resign has raised questions about personal ambition. Liz Truss — Foreign Secretary, considered a “safe pair of hands” but not a dynamic candidate. On the backbenches, potential candidates include former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, prominent Brexiteer Steve Baker, and respected backbencher Tom Tugendhat. This article has been republished under Creative Commons licence.