Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt have become the latest Tory MPs to enter the race to replace Boris Johnson as prime minister, with both of the former health secretaries pledging to cut taxes.
Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and transport secretary Grant Shapps also announced bids on Saturday, with foreign secretary Liz Truss expected to formally announce her leadership campaign on Monday on a ticket of “classic Conservative principles”.
Launching his campaign, chancellor Mr Zahawi pledged to lower taxes for individuals, families and business and boost defence spending, while transport secretary Mr Shapps promised to end a period of “tactical government by an often distracted centre”, in an interview with The Times.
It comes after defence secretary Ben Wallace ruled himself out of the Conservative Party leadership contest despite his status as favourite among the Tory grassroots, saying he wanted to focus on his job “keeping this country safe”.
And more than a dozen MPs have declared their support for former chancellor Rishi Sunak to become prime minister after Boris Johnson’s resignation.
Key Points
- Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt launch bids, both vowing to cut taxes
- Liz Truss to launch Tory leadership bid advocating ‘classic Conservative principles’
- Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi launches Tory leadership bid
- Jenkyns claims she gave middle finger gesture because of ‘baying mob’ outside Downing Street
- Ben Wallace rules himself out of leadership race
- Rishi Sunak enters Tory leadership race and vows to ‘restore trust’
