Rishi Sunak is stepping down as Tory leader after the party's catastrophic election defeat. Who can take his place?
In British media, speculation is already rampant. Here are the hottest candidates.
Kemi Badenoch
Minister of Trade in Sunak's government and Member of Parliament for North West Essex, a seat she managed to retain in the election. Has impressed the party with her "no-nonsense" attitude, and is mentioned as one of the favorites in British media.
Came fourth in the race to replace Boris Johnson in 2022 and has hinted at a leadership candidacy.
James Cleverly
Former Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary who has been involved in speculation about the Tory leadership several times before. Described as a good communicator, but may be seen as too close to Sunak for Conservative MPs who want to see change.
Priti Patel
Has not been in government since Boris Johnson was Prime Minister. Then she was Home Secretary. Known for being tough on migration policy. Has previously been embroiled in controversy after reports of bullying civil servants in government. Is said to be considering a candidacy.
Tom Tugendhat
Minister for Security in Liz Truss' government in 2022, continued in the same post in Sunak's government. Can attract Tories in the center. Tried to replace Johnson in 2022 but came fifth. Described as social with good self-confidence.
Penny Mordaunt
Britain's first female Defense Minister in 2019. Became known as the "sword bearer" during the coronation of King Charles. Debate-friendly centrist politician, but has toned down her more liberal sides in recent times. Lost her parliamentary seat to Labour in the election.
Suella Braverman
Former Home Secretary, twice. Lawyer and Member of Parliament. Has remained popular within the party for her tough stance on illegal migration, but has also been controversial among others for the same reason. Has been driving a candidacy in the background ever since Rishi Sunak fired her in November.
Robert Jenrick
Formerly, among other things, Minister for Migration. Formerly loyal to Sunak but resigned in connection with the "Rwanda-gate" due to disagreement with the government. Has been seen as a voice to the right within the party.
David Cameron
Former Prime Minister, a post he resigned from after the Brexit referendum in 2016, and Foreign Secretary under Sunak. It would be a shock if he returned as Tory leader – but he can be seen as a stable figure, writes British newspapers.
Nigel Farage
Leader of the Reform Party, elected Member of Parliament for Clacton-on-Sea. Did his best to oust as many Tory and Labour MPs as possible in the election. But could a party in disarray welcome Farage as its savior?, asks The Guardian. Probably not.
Sources: Sky News, The Telegraph, The Guardian
