The race for succession is tightening among conservatives

The race to replace Boris Johnson is tight without a candidate Still not taking decisive results. After a second round of voting within the College of British Conservative MPs on Thursday July 14, only five candidates for the position of leader of the majority party in the House of Commons – and therefore, for the post of United Prime Minister – remained in the running. .

Former chancellor Rishi Sunak resigned on July 5 in a final blow to scandal-weakened Boris Johnson, who is leading with 101 votes. But the Secretary of State for Trade, Benny Mordant, who is virtually unknown to the public, has 83 and benefits from surprising energy, while the third serious candidate for the top job, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, has 64 supporters. .

The two surprises of this internal primary, Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat, are now far behind, with 49 and 32 votes, respectively, during voting rounds held every day since July 18. Until only two candidates remain. Both of the Conservative Party’s 180,000 members will decide in August – with a final decision expected on September 5.

Which of the three favorites will enter Downing Street: Rishi Sunak, Benny Mordant or Liz Truss? No one is risking a firm prediction in this ultra-fast campaign, which has so far been characterized by the bitterness of exchanges and the poverty of debates.

Fancy patriotism

Rishi Sunak, 42, draws on his experience in government and his seriousness – he promises to cut taxes for the British while bringing inflation under control. Against his will, this staunch Brexiter has become the candidate of the moderate wing of the party. Boris Johnson’s supporters are doing everything to defeat him, accusing him of being instrumental in his downfall. Culture Minister Nadine Dorries accuses her of taking part “conspiracy” The Prime Minister should be pushed out.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, minister for Brexit prospects, made the blunt call “socialist” Mr. Sunak, a former hedge fund manager and one of the country’s richest politicians. Strangely, 46-year-old Liz Truss, a former supporter of staying in the European Union, has the support of the party’s right wing. It must be said that she defended it zealously le Northern Ireland Ethics BillThe bill calls into question key parts of the Brexit deal and, according to Brussels, violates the country’s international obligations.

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