The two favorites to be prime minister, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, have reportedly failed to agree on a common solution at a meeting. This was reported by both the “Telegraph” and a “Times” reporter on Sunday, citing insider sources.
The ex-PM and ex-Treasury Secretary reportedly met on Saturday night. British media speculated the two could agree a deal to avoid splitting the Tory party. For example, the scenario circulated that the favorite Sunak could offer Johnson a role in a future cabinet. With his resignation from the Johnson cabinet in the summer, the 42-year-old had played a major role in bringing it down.
Ex-Prime Minister Johnson is said to have solicited support
According to the Telegraph, Johnson is said to have called his party early on Sunday morning and asked for support. His campaign team said on Saturday that the 58-year-old had already reached the necessary threshold of 100 supporters. However, doubts quickly arose, as only about half as many publicly spoke out in favor of Johnson.
Johnson loyalist and Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg assured the BBC on Sunday morning that the ex-PM would run and had strong support. So far, neither Sunak nor Johnson have made their candidacy official. The only official candidate is Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs Penny Mordaunt, who is reported to have the least supporters so far. However, she is competing to win and ruling out a deal with Johnson, Mordaunt said when asked in the BBC interview. Nominations can be received until Monday afternoon.
The Tory party is seeking a successor for outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss, who resigned on Thursday after six unprecedentedly chaotic weeks in office after pressure from her party.
