Because the UK police widen their probe into the alleged lockdown breaches, a no-confidence vote within the prime minister may occur sooner slightly than later, presumably as early as subsequent week. To set off that vote, not less than 54 Conservative Members of Parliament (15% of the 359 Tory MPs) should submit a letter to Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee — the parliamentary group of the Conservative Social gathering.
Up to now, some 15 MPs have publicly known as on Johnson to resign and despatched letters. Nevertheless, the variety of those that have written letters however haven’t but disclosed it’s believed to be within the 30s.
So, who may change Boris Johnson? This is a take a look at among the frontrunners.
Rishi Sunak
Seen because the rising star of the Conservatives even earlier than he grew to become chancellor of the exchequer, or finance minister, in 2020 with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. “Dishy Rishi” as some UK tabloids dubbed him for his suave look and deft use of social media, has been lauded for his COVID-19 bailout bundle. His Tory mates admire his calm and composure within the face of the mayhem emanating from his illustrious neighbor one door down from him.
Might he revive the Tories’ fortunes?
Nevertheless, among the gloss has come off. In January, he confirmed {that a} controversial Nationwide Insurance coverage tax hike to fund the moribund Nationwide Well being Service and social care would go forward, however a dramatic rise in vitality payments and inflation. This hasn’t gone down nicely with these Tories nonetheless steeped within the small state, low taxation and privatization period of Margaret Thatcher.
“Sunak must be the favourite on the grounds of electability alone. He is additionally unlikely to divide the social gathering, which is at all times a key standards. That stated, he would possibly want to maneuver quick lest his reputation with the general public evaporates as the price of dwelling disaster accelerates,” Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary College in London, who specializes on the Conservatives, instructed DW through e-mail.
Sunak could be the primary particular person of Asian heritage, and the primary particular person of shade, to develop into prime minister.
Liz Truss
The international secretary has up to now been written off by some as being a little bit of a light-weight politician. Nevertheless, she’s now seen as a severe contender and, if the bookies are to be believed, has overtaken Sunak as the favourite.
She was the goal of a lot derision, when, as surroundings secretary, she claimed on the Conservative Social gathering convention in 2014 that “We import two-thirds of our cheese: That! Is! A! Shame!”
Truss, who in December took on the Brexit transient as a part of her international portfolio, has gone from Remainer to passionate Brexiteer following the referendum in 2016.
A brand new Margaret Thatcher within the making?
She’s set about placing collectively commerce offers, though a commerce settlement with the US has to this point eluded her. Her allies inside the social gathering have praised her for touchdown offers with Japan and Australia.
Critics level out, nonetheless, that she’s failed to this point to safe a commerce deal that the UK did not have already got as a member of the EU.
She’s drawn comparisons to Margaret Thatcher, though that’s barely off the mark, stated Bale. “Much less a Thatcher within the making than a Thatcher tribute act. She’s seen by many to be attempting too onerous.”
Whereas she’s standard amongst social gathering members, voters do not know a lot about her. And, as Bale factors out, they could not like what they uncover.
“On paper not less than, she’s much more of a neo-liberal state-shrinking zealot than Sunak — and he or she hasn’t had her ardor cooled like he has by actuality.”
Sajid Javid
Sajid Javid has his admirers however the NHS quagmire might hamper his ambitions
The well being secretary and former chancellor of the exchequer is seen as a stable pair of arms. He wasn’t far off within the race to succeed Theresa Might in 2019 and should not be written off. One in every of his strengths is that he ticks the suitable packing containers when it comes to his Tory ideology which appeals to many social gathering members.
Whereas he is carried out solidly throughout the pandemic, he might have left his flank open with reference to his NHS insurance policies.
“His plans to clear the NHS backlog [there are currently 6 million Britons on a waiting list for treatment] do not appear to have satisfied too many individuals, which will not assist if a contest (which I am positive he’ll enter) comes sooner slightly than later,” stated Bale.
Priti Patel
Powerful on immigration, however does she have inside backing?
Essentially the most socially conservative of the contenders, the house secretary is a divisive determine, however has admirers inside the hard-right Conservative faction for her robust line on tackling immigration and crime. Nevertheless, it is one factor showing to be robust, however one other to observe by way of.
“She’s misplaced help just lately as a result of, like so many house secretaries earlier than her, she talks the discuss on immigration and crime however in actuality can do little to regulate it. Not extremely rated by colleagues, too lots of whom (rightly or wrongly) do not see her because the sharpest knife within the drawer,” stated Bale.
Jeremy Hunt
Is Jeremy Hunt actually within the operating?
The previous international and well being secretary misplaced out to Johnson within the management contest 2019. He is thought to be a protected pair of arms and is aware of the ins-and-outs of the Conservative Social gathering. Not precisely probably the most charismatic politician, however some observers say which may be a bonus within the face of the present turmoil in 10 Downing Road.
“He would possibly get it if the social gathering turns into determined for somebody who’s the very reverse of Johnson however there’s little or no enthusiasm for him among the many membership,” stated Bale.
Edited by: Sonia Phalnikar