Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that he will not run for the leadership of the Conservative Party, which gives access to Downing Street, leaving the way open for Rishi Sunak to replace Liz Truss.
“Over the past few days, I have unfortunately come to the conclusion that it just wouldn’t be the right thing to do,” he said in a statement.
While only 57 MPs publicly endorsed a “BoJo” candidacy, he claimed to have received 102 endorsements, two more than the 100 needed to enter the race.
“Tonight, I can confirm that I have crossed the very high threshold of 102 nominations and I could submit my candidacy tomorrow,” he wrote, believing that there is “a very good chance that I will succeed in win the election among Conservative Party members – and that I can actually be back in Downing Street on Friday”.
“But over the past few days I’ve unfortunately come to the conclusion that it just wouldn’t be the right thing to do. You cannot govern effectively if you do not have a united party in parliament,” he explained.
He noted that he had contacted both Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt in hopes of getting together “for the national interest”, noting however that “unfortunately we have not been able to find a way to do so. “.
“I believe I have a lot to offer, but I’m afraid it’s just not the right time,” concluded the 57-year-old politician.
This announcement comes as Rishi Sunak has already confirmed his candidacy during the day, as has the minister in charge of relations with Parliament, Penny Mordaunt.
Candidates have until 2:00 p.m. on Monday to muster 100 supporters. The race will then be submitted to an online vote of some 200,000 members of the Conservative Party, the result of which will be announced on Friday.
But if party MPs support only one candidate, the name of the next prime minister could be known as early as Monday evening.
According to the Daily Telegrah tally, Rishi Sunak now has 137 supporters and Penny Mordaunt 25.