UK House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt on Friday became the first candidate to succeed Liz Truss to Conservative Party leadership and the post of Prime Minister.
“I am encouraged by the support of colleagues who want a fresh start, a united party and leadership in the national interest”wrote on the social network Twitter.
I have been encouraged by the support of colleagues who want a fresh start, a united party and leadership in the national interest.
I’m running to be the leader of the Conservative Party and your prime minister – to unite our country, keep our promises and win the next GE.#PM4PM pic.twitter.com/MM0NTHJ5lH
— Penny Mordaunt (@PennyMordaunt) October 21, 2022
Mordaunt, who came third behind Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak in the previous domestic elections, said he wanted to “unite the country, keep the promises”. [do Partido Conservador] and win” the next parliamentary election.
The minister in charge of relations with parliament is a favorite of conservative militants and there has been speculation that she could strike a deal with Sunak to give up one in favor of the other.
The 49-year-old former defense minister distinguished herself in parliament on Monday when she defended Liz Truss against the opposition and assured the prime minister was not “hiding under the desk”.
The Conservative Party opened bids on Friday for its second leadership election in three months, following the July resignations of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss on Thursday.
To be eligible, candidate delegates will need the support of at least 100 colleagues by Monday’s deadline at 2:00 p.m. local time (same time in Lisbon).
A first vote reserved for the Conservative group is scheduled for the same day if more than two candidates qualify.
The two finalists will be subject to an electronic vote of an estimated 170,000 Tory activists and the result will be announced on Friday.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak are favorites, but neither has confirmed the candidacy.
Truss’ successor is appointed prime minister and invited by King Charles III to form a government as leader of the parliamentary majority party.
Source: DN
