Ben Wallace - Sputnik International

LIVE UPDATES: Defence Secretary Says Won't Be Running for UK PM as New Candidates Trickle In

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On Thursday, Boris Johnson announced his resignation as Tory Party chief due to a scandal surrounding reports accusing the now-sacked Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher of sexual misconduct. As a result, around 50 top civil servants left the cabinet, forcing the PM to start a new race for Downing St.
"After careful consideration and discussing with colleagues and family, I have taken the decision not to enter the contest for leadership of the Conservative Party. I am very grateful to all my parliamentary colleagues and wider members who have pledged support," Wallace said on Twitter.
On Thursday, Sky News reported that Wallace, a clear favorite in the potential race among party members, was discussing the possibility to run for leadership. A snap YouGov polling of 716 Conservative party members revealed that he topped the list with 13% of the vote.
Outgoing UK Prime Minister and Tory leader Boris Johnson has been grappling with calls to resign after a series of scandals over violations of COVID-19 regulations throughout 2020 and 2021. Earlier this week, another scandal with the appointment of Christopher Pincher, who was vetted by Johnson as deputy chief whip of the Conservatives despite accusations of sexual misconduct, led to a string of resignations and eventually forced Johnson to step down both as the prime minister and head of the UK's Conservative Party. He will remain in office until a new appointment is made.
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak arrives to attend a Cabinet away day at Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, central England, on May 12, 2022 - Sputnik International, 1920, 09.07.2022
Tory Leadership Race 2022
Sunak Reportedly Urges Javid Join Him in ‘Secret Pact’ Amid UK PM Seat Race
Following Johnson's decision, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced his bid for the Tory leadership. Attorney General for England and Wales Suella Braverman also said she plans to run, as well as ex-Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch.
Among other potential yet still unconfirmed candidates to replace BoJo is Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.
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21:00 GMT 09.07.2022
Former UK Health Secretaries Sajid Javid & Jeremy Hunt Join Race to Replace BoJo
18:54 GMT 09.07.2022
New UK Chancellor of Exchequer Announces His Candidacy for Prime Minister
Newly appointed UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi on Saturday announced his candidacy for the post of the UK Prime Minister.
"Thanks to Brexit, we are now a free nation. Let's not just talk about the opportunities that follow, let's take them," Zahawi was quoted by Evening Standard newspaper as saying, while announcing his bid for the prime minister's office.
According to the outlet, Zahawi has launched his campaign with a pledge to "stabilize the economy" if he receives the post.
Earlier in the day, UK Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps also announced his intention to lead the Conservative Party and become the country's prime minister. He pledged to prepare an emergency budget, granting government support to companies with high levels of energy consumption.
Shapps and Zahawi joined a list of candidates, which among others includes Rishi Sunak, who has resigned as Chancellor of the Exchequer on July 5. Sunak announced his leadership bid on Friday, declaring that he intends to "restore trust" after the resignation of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and wishes to lead the country "in the right direction."
In addition, the chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Tom Tugendhat, former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, and attorney general Suella Braverman have announced their candidacies.
16:34 GMT 09.07.2022
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps Announces His Bid for Conservative Party Leadership & PM
Mr. Shapps said he would end "tactical government by an often distracted centre".
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