Rishi Sunak dials Zelenskyy; assures his support to war-embattled Ukraine

US President Biden held a telephone conversation with new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to PA Media, Biden congratulated Sunak on his appointment, adding that “the leaders looked forward to working closely together”.

The next prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, has embraced his Indian and Hindu heritage — and on Monday, people across the former British colony proudly celebrated his victory. Social media and TV channels in India were awash with congratulations for the 42-year-old Sunak, who is set to become the first person of colour to lead Britain. The former Treasury chief was chosen by a governing Conservative Party desperate for a safe pair of hands to guide the country through economic and political turbulence.

For many Indians, who are celebrating Diwali, one of the most important Hindu festivals, it was an instance to say: He is one of our own.

In response to the prospects of good relations between Russia and the UK after the appointment of Sunak, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, "No, at present, we do not see any preconditions, grounds or hopes for some positive shifts in the foreseeable future."

Rishi Sunak, the new Prime Minister of Britain, on October 25 delivered his first speech after taking the top post. Those who follow British politics close know that every Prime Minister makes a speech from a different lectern, which probably meets their style. However, the pace of Sunak's election as Conservative leader and Prime Minister after Liz Truss's almost seven weeks term meant that the new PM had to use a leftover lectern from the previous administration.

Notably, Sunak ditched his predecessor Liz Truss' lectern which looked like a twisted stack of wooden blocks similar to Jenga blocks. According to The Daily Telegraph, lecterns usually take around 21 days to make at a cost of $4,500. Traditionally made from wood, they have metal cores to prevent them from blowing over.

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• Andrew Mitchell has been appointed a Minister of State 
• Hon Robert Jenrick has been appointed a Minister of State (Minister for Immigration) 
•  Sir Gavin Williamson CBE has been appointed a Minister of State 
• Tom Tugendhat MBE has been re-appointed as a Minister of State (Minister for Security) 
•  Johnny Mercer has been appointed a Minister of State (Minister for Veterans’ Affairs)
• John Glen has been appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury 
• Mark Harper has been appointed Secretary of State for Transport 
• Jeremy Quin MP has been appointed Paymaster General, and Minister for the Cabinet Office
• Victoria Prentis has been appointed Attorney General 
•  Lord True CBE has been re-appointed Lord Privy Seal, and Leader of the House of Lords 
• David TC Davies has been appointed Secretary of State for Wales
•  Alister Jack MP has been re-appointed Secretary of State for Scotland
• Chris Heaton-Harris has been re-appointed as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
• Michelle Donelan has been reappointed as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
• Kemi Badenoch MP has been re-appointed Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade 
• Michael Gove  has been appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
•  Steve Barclay MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
• Thérèse Coffey MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
•  Mel Stride MP  has been appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
• Gillian Keegan has been appointed Secretary of State for Education
• Penny Mordaunt has been re-appointed as Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons 
• Grant Shapps has been appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
• Suella Braverman KC has been appointed Secretary of State for the Home Department
• Oliver Dowden has been appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
• Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed Minister without Portfolio.  
• Ben Wallace has been re-appointed Secretary of State for Defence 
• James Cleverly has been re-appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
•  Simon Hart has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury

Newly appointed UK PM Rishi Sunak has said that he has spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and has assured him to continue supporting Ukraine as prime minister.

Andrew Mitchell MP has been appointed a Minister of State (Minister for Development) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The newly re-appointed Home Secretary Suella Braverman took to the microblogging site on Tuesday and said she was honoured to join Rishi Sunak’s cabinet.

Mark Harper has been appointed Transport Secretary in the Rishi Sunak Cabinet on Tuesday. The outgoing transport secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, took to Twitter and congratulated her successor.

Newly appointed UK PM Rishi Sunak removed about a dozen members of Truss’ Cabinet but kept several senior figures in place besides Hunt, including Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. Sunak also brought back faces from the era of Truss’ predecessor, Boris Johnson, including Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab. However, the Opposition, Labour Party called it the "same chaos" that Conservative Party brought into their new cabinet. “This is not a fresh start. It’s the same Conservative cabinet of chaos,” opposition Labour Party lawmaker Rosena Allin-Khan said on Twitter.

Grant Shapps has been appointed as UK's Business Secretary, as per the Twitter handle of the Conservative Party. 

Steve Barclay has been appointed as UK's Health Secretary, as per the Twitter handle of the Conservative Party. 

Michelle Donelan has been re-appointed as UK's Culture Secretary, as per the Twitter handle of the Conservative Party. 

Suella Braverman has been appointed as UK's Home Secretary, as per the Twitter handle of the Conservative Party. 

Ben Wallace has been re-appointed as United Kingdom's Defence Secretary, as per the Twitter handle of the Conservative Party. 

Soon after the appointment of Rishi Sunak as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Dominic Raab was named the country's Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. 

Jeremy Hunt to remain as Chancellor of the Exchequer. 

Several ministers from former UK PM Liz Truss' cabinet resigned after Rishi Sunak was appointed as the new premier. This resulted in the pound rising, and the cost of government borrowing experiencing a decline, PA Media reported. 

US President Joe Biden congratulated the new Prime Minister of the UK Rishi Sunak, for becoming the third premier in two months on Tuesday. "Together, I look forward to enhancing our cooperation on issues critical to global security and prosperity, including continuing our strong support for Ukraine," Biden said in a Twitter post.

Secretary of state for Wales, Robert Buckland, says he is leaving government but will be supporting Rishi Sunak from the back benches. "It has been an honour to serve as Secretary of State for Wales, and to have served four Prime Ministers as Solicitor General, Justice Minister and Lord Chancellor. I am leaving the Government at my request but will be supporting Rishi Sunak from the backbenches," he wrote in his resignation letter. 

 UK's work and pensions secretary Chloe Smith has announced that she will be leaving the government. "It has been a privilege to serve as the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and I would like to thank all of the brilliant staff at DWP  for their dedication to helping people into work and protecting the most vulnerable," she wrote. 

Minister of state for development Vicky Ford has also announced her resignation, wishing the incoming prime minister Rishi Sunak "all the best." 

Chief whip Wendy Morton has announced on Twitter that she is returning to the back benches.

Rishi Sunak became Britain’s third prime minister of the year on Tuesday, tasked with taming an economic crisis that has left the country’s finances in a precarious state and millions struggling to pay their food and energy bills. Sunak, who is the UK’s first leader of color, met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, where the monarch officially asked the new leader of the governing Conservative Party to form a government, as is tradition.

Sunak clinched the leadership position Monday, seen by his party as a safe pair of hands it hopes will stabilize an economy sliding toward recession, and stem its own plunging popularity, after the brief, disastrous term of Liz Truss. At 42 he is the youngest British leader in more than 200 years — acknowledged the scale of his challenge as well as the skepticism of a British public alarmed at the state of the economy and weary of a Conservative Party soap opera that has chewed through two prime ministers in as many months.

(Image/Report Credit: Associated Press)

Labour MP Keir Starmer congratulated Rishi Sunak on “making history” as Britain’s first Asian premier. 

Liz Truss and the newly appointed British leader Rishi Sunak have updated their bio on Twitter. Truss's bio reads as: 'Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. MP for South West Norfolk.' While Rushi Sunak has updated his as: 'Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.'

UK's Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Brandon Lewis, has resigned from his position.

10 Downing Street's official Twitter handle now has the banner image of newly appointed prime minister Rishi Sunak. 

Rishi Sunak has officially become the prime minister of the UK. He met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. At the Buckingham Palace Sunak was also greeted by Sir Clive Alderton, principal private secretary to the king and queen consort, the monarch’s equerry, Lt Col Jonny Thompson, and Sir Edward Young, joint principal private secretary to the king, according to the  PA Media. 

UK will have a planned fiscal event next Monday amid the roiling financial markets and economic turbulence. The fiscal event will have major implications for public finances, it is being reported. Sunak in his first prime ministerial speech had declared that he will need to take "some difficult decisions." He is now preparing to reshuffle the cabinet to begin the work immediately. 

Calling out for a general election across the UK, Labour MP and Party chair Anneliese Dodds has hit out at Rishi Sunak's what she described bad record within the Conservative Party.  "He doesn't have a mandate to be crowned in this manner," Dodds told sky news. She continued that the new prime minister had been "at the heart of all of the Conservative failures that we've seen".

"If the problem overall is the Conservative Party then the answer can't be Rishi Sunak," asseretd the Labour Party MP. UK needs a "fresh start," she demanded, calling for general elections. 

Reports are emerging that the newly appointed  UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to start his cabinet reshuffling this afternoon.  Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is widely expected to retain his position. Penny Mordaunt could also be up for a top position.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the UK business secretary, has resigned, according to reports. He was a close ally of both Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.

As Rishi Sunak is now officially the British Prime Minister, his primary task at 10 Downing Street will be to appoint a new cabinet. There are candidates for the major cabinet positions that are expected to be appointed by Sunak. Some questions posed right now are whether the Liz Truss administration's key lawmakers such as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt stay in their position or will be replaced. Penny Mordaunt is reportedly keen to get a role of foreign secretary in Sunak's cabinet. 

France’s president Emmanuel Macron congratulated Rishi Sunak saying that the two will work together to tackle challenges including the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has congratulated Rishi Sunak on becoming new PM. He said that adding that the new PM will successfully overcome “all the challenges facing British society and the world today”.Zelesnkyy also noted that he is ready to continue strengthening Ukraine and Britain’s strategic partnership.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has also tweeted her congratulations to Rishi Sunak. EU “counts on a strong relationship” with the UK “in full respect of our agreements”, she said. 

As the new premier in a fierce speech vowed to restore trust of the British public "after all that has happened," he noted that despite the mounting challneges and the economy in shambles, he is not "daunted." Sunak set out some new goals on his government's agenda: 

• Stronger NHS
• Better schools
• Safer streets
• Control of borders
• Protecting environment
• Supporting armed forces
• Levelling up
• Building economy

New UK PM has pledged to apparently "fix mistakes" made by his predecessor Liz Truss as he accepted King Charles III's invitation to form a government. he noted that the ongoing war in Ukraine has destablished the world's markets and while Truss wanted to improve growth, it wasn't acheived but that it was a “noble aim”. He admired Truss' government's “restlessness." At the same time, Sunak agreed that "mistakes were made." "I am elected as PM to fix those mistakes," he said. 

UK PM on Tuesday, in his first speech said that he will unite UK "not with words but with action." "I have been made the leader of the party and your prime minister, in part, to fix them, and that work begins now," he told the British public. Sunak noted that the new government will demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability at every level."I will work day in and day out to deliver for you," he reassured. 

During his speech, Rishi Sunak acknowledged that the UK is "facing a profound economic crisis", and agreed that his predecessor Liz Truss has been a leader who was quick and enthusiastic "to create a change but some mistakes were made". Ex British Chancellor said warned of some 'difficult decisions to come.'

"You saw me during Covid doing everything I could to protect people and businesses with schemes like furlough.There are always limits more so now than ever. But I promise you this I will bring that same compassion to the challenges we face today," he said. "The government I lead will not leave the next generation, your children and grandchildren, with a debt to settle that we were too weak to pay ourselves," further the new UK PM added. 

"I will unite our country not with words, but with action.I will work day in and day out to deliver for you," said the newly appointed British leader. 

The new UK PM Rishi Sunak who thanked the ousted premier Boris Johnson in his speech outside of Number 10 Downing Street, has focused on working on the promises made during his era. "It is a mandate that belongs to and unites all of us," said Sunak. "And I know he [Johnson] would agree that the mandate my party earned in 2019 is not the sole property of any one individual," Sunak added. 

"I will always be grateful to Boris Johnson for his incredible achievements as prime minister, and I treasure his warmth and generosity of spirit."

Former UK PM Boris Johnson sent congratulatory wishes to Rishi Sunak and asked Tories to give "wholehearted support" to the new PM.

In his first speech as the UK Prime Minister at Downing Street, Rishi Sunak said that UK  is "facing a profound economic crisis", the aftermath of COVID -19 pandemic still "lingers." He also noted that Russia's Putin has been presenting a threat in Ukraine. Sunak paid a tribute to Liz Truss, saying she was enthusiastic leader who was quick to create change, but "some mistakes were made". he noted that her decisions were not the result of "bad intentions", but they were "mistakes nonetheless".

"I have been made the leader of the party and your prime minister, in part, to fix them, and that work begins now," said Sunak, adding he will work towards the economic stability, This means "difficult decisions to come," he said. 

"I will unite our country not with words but with action," he says.

Stepping up to the lectern outside his new residence, Rishi Sunak said he has accepted the King's invitation to form a government. 

He takes a solemn approach, saying the country is "facing a profound economic crisis", the aftermath of COVID "lingers" and Putin is presenting a threat in Ukraine.

In his first address to the UK as the new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the former and the shortes-serving UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, saying that she did nothing wrong for trying to change the nation's economic scenario.

Rishi Sunak is now on his way to Downing Street to deliver his first speech as the UK's new Prime Minister after being formally appointed to the post by King Charles III.

Rishi Sunak will not to be welcomed by applauding supporters as he entered Downing Street. This is contrary to the tradition in the UK as the new prime minister s usually greeted by applauding advisers. However, Sunak, the new PM apparently wants to avoid a celebratory tone.

Rishi Sunak has arrived at Buckingham Palace to meet the King Charles III, where he will be officially appointed as the new Prime Minister and will be asked to form a government. 

Rishi Sunak is about to deliver his first speech as UK's new Prime Minister at Downing Street. He will make the speech after the culmination of his meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

Liz Truss's Twitter profile has been updated just a few minutes after Buckingham Palace officially announced that she was no longer the UK PM.

The outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss has arrived at Buckingham Palace ahead of her final audience with King Charles III as she makes way for Rishi Sunak to be the UK's new Prime Minister.

This is a constitutional formality marking the end of Liz Truss's premiership. 

Inside the Palace, she will inform the King that she no longer has the support of her party and is no longer the leader. She will then give advice that Rishi Sunak is the best person to become the next prime minister.

Liz Truss gave her final speech as the UK's Prime Minister on the steps of Downing Street. 

"It has been a huge honour to be Prime Minister of this great country. In particular, to lead the nation in mourning the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen after 70 years of service, and welcoming the accession of His Majesty King Charles III.

In just a short period, this government has acted urgently and decisively on the side of hardworking families and businesses. We reversed the National Insurance increase. We helped millions of households with their energy bills and helped thousands of businesses avoid bankruptcy. We are taking back our energy independence…so we are never again beholden to global market fluctuations or malign foreign powers."

Read the full speech here.

Akshata Murty, wife of Britain's incoming Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, earned Rs 126.61 crore (USD 15.3 million) in dividend income in 2022, from her shareholding in India's second-largest IT firm Infosys.

Murthy, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, held 3.89 crore shares, or 0.93 per cent, of Infosys at the end of September, according to company filings with the stock exchanges. Her holding is worth Rs 5,956 crore (about USD 721 million) at Tuesday's trading price of Rs 1,527.40 on the BSE.

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King Charles III was spotted arriving at Buckingham Palace. King Charles will hold an audience with outgoing UK PM Liz Truss as she will officially tender her resignation. Rishi Sunak will hold an audience with the British monarch to formally take over as UK PM.

Outgoing UK PM Liz Truss has made farewell speech. In her statement, Truss said, "Our country continues to battle through a storm. But I believe in Britain. I believe in the British people and I know that brighter days lie ahead." She wished success to Rishi Sunak as he is set to become UK PM. She further said, ""From my time as prime minister, I am more convinced than ever that we need to be bold." She will now head to Buckingham Palace to hold audience with King Charles III.  

Rishi Sunak will become the first UK PM to be appointed by King Charles III as he has been chosen as the leader of the governing Conservative party. So how does the leader of the Tory party become the UK PM? Before Rishi Sunak becomes the British PM, Liz Truss will visit King Charles at Buckingham palace and offer to formally stand down. Following this, Sunak will visit King Charles at Buckingham palace after an invitation from the monarch. 

Invitation by the monarch and the 'Kissing Hands' ceremony

King Charles will ask Rishi Sunak if he has the support to form the government, as the leader of the largest party, to which Sunak will reply yes. After that, the monarch will ask Sunak to form a government through a ceremony known as "kissing hands'', as per a report by the NYTimes. A report from BBC states that the prime minister does not actually kiss the hands of the monarch but brushes it gently with lips. Former British PM Tony Blair in his autobiography reportedly admitted that he found the ceremony a bit confusing.

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Outgoing UK PM Liz Truss convened the final meeting of her cabinet at 9 am (1:30 pm). She will make a statement in Downing Street after the cabinet meeting. She will then visit Buckingham Palace to hold an audience with King Charles III as she will formally resign. Rishi Sunak will head to the palace, where he will be invited by King Charles to form the next government. 

Labour's shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Pat McFadden told Sky News that Conservative Party remains a "divided and chaotic party" despite Rishi Sunak becoming UK PM. McFadden said that the general election will only be held if Rishi Sunak agrees to it. 
 

Rishi Sunak is set to become UK's prime minister at a crucial time of economic and political turbulence. He won the Tory race as his political adversaries withdrew from the contest, and his victory marked a historic moment as he is the first person of colour, of South Asian Indian descent, and the youngest premier to take over the reins in more than 200 years. All eyes are on Sunak, as he is set to assume office as the third prime minister, and among the many challenges that he inherits is an economy sliding toward recession and the roiling financial markets. Sunak had warned his predecessor Liz Truss against the disastrous tax cuts that have soared interest rates and stacked up UK's public borrowing. Here's the economic challenges Sunak inherits as he enters 10 Downing Street.

Restoring financial credibility

Rishi Sunak has inherited the tattered economy, and his immediate job would be to restore the financial credibility to fix the repercussions of the outgoing leader Liz Truss's fiscal policy of unfunded tax cuts that strained the bond market and forced the Bank of England to intervene. 

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Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu congratulated Rishi Sunak on becoming UK PM. Naidu tweeted, "Hearty congratulations on being selected leader of Conservative Party & first British-Asian UK PM @RishiSunak! India & UK have a strong partnership based on a wide range of shared interests on global issues. I am certain this will deepen further under your leadership."

UK cabinet members have started arriving at Downing Street for attending last cabinet meeting under outgoing UK PM Liz Truss. As per Sky News, Kemi Badenoch, Therese Coffey, Nadhim Zahawi and Jacob-Rees Mogg are among the ministers who have been spotted arriving at Downing Street. 
 

Messenger app WhatsApp appears to be encountering downtime in the UK and other parts of the world, with many users reporting 'WhatsApp down' on various other social media platforms. The problems in WhatsApp appeared to have started at around 8:20 am BST (12:50 PM) in the UK. 
 

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has lauded Rishi Sunak for becoming UK''s first Indian-origin PM. Taking to his Instagram handle on Tuesday, October 25, Amitabh Bachchan shared a candid picture of himself. In the caption, he wrote, "Jai Bharat .. now the UK finally has a new viceroy as its Prime Minister from the Mother Country." 

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy has lauded son-in-law Rishi Sunak for becoming UK's Prime Minister. Murthy expressed confidence that the country's first PM of Indian descent will do his best for the British people. Sunak is married to Akshata Murty, the daughter of Indian billionaire Narayana Murthy. Speaking to ANI, Murthy said, "Congratulations to Rishi. We are proud of him and we wish him success. We are confident he will do his best for the people of the United Kingdom."

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Rishi Sunak for becoming Conservative leader and UK PM. Sharif looked forward to working with him to "deepen" the ties between Pakistan and UK. Pakistan PM tweeted, "Congratulations to @RishiSunak on his nomination as leader of the Conservative Party and next Prime Minister of the UK. I look forward to working with him to advance shared interests and further deepen the abiding - partnership

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has lauded Rishi Sunak for becoming the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of UK. Mahindra tweeted, "In 1947 on the cusp of Indian Independence, Winston Churchill supposedly said “…all Indian leaders will be of low calibre & men of straw.” Today, during the 75th year of our Independence, we’re poised to see a man of Indian origin anointed as PM of the UK. Life is beautiful." 

UK PM-designate Rishi Sunak has called on Conservative MPs to "unite or die" amid the "profound economic challenge" faced by Britain, Sky News reported. He made the statement after winning the race to become the next UK PM. He has ruled out the opposition's demands for a general election after winning the contest. 
 

Conservative MP Sajid Javid has congratulated Rishi Sunak on becoming the leader of Conservative Party. In his tweet, Javid noted, "We face huge challenges, but he has the skill and experience to bring the stability we need.@Conservatives must unite behind him and deliver for the British people."

The United Kingdom has chosen former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak as Britain’s first prime minister of colour. His appointment came nearly days after the outgoing UK PM Liz Truss resigned saying, “I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party." The Prime Minister's press office has confirmed that Sunak will travel to Buckingham Palace for his first audience with the 73-year-old monarch King Charles III where he will be invited to form a government. The appointment of the PM will be then authored in the official record of the royal engagement. Subsequently, he will return to Downing Street, where it is expected that the new leader will announce his Cabinet.

As per the UK media reports, it is believed that Sunak will profer chance to many of his loyalists including Sajid Javid, health minister, Dominic Raab, the former deputy prime minister, and John Glen, who served under him at the Treasury.

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Rishi Sunak is expected to address nation before entering No 10 as the UK PM. After addressing the nation, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer would decide his cabinet. 

Newly-crowned King Charles III is scheduled to travel to London on Monday as former UK Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is set to become Britain’s first prime minister of colour after being chosen to lead the governing Conservative Party. According to media reports, the monarch will travel to the national capital this afternoon in a private plane. Earlier, it was expected that outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss will meet King Charles III in order to tender her resignation from the prestigious post. However, later, it was confirmed that the Truss will make a statement outside No 10 on Tuesday and then move to Buckingham Palace for her final audience (meeting) with King Charles III. 

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Indian-Origin Rishi Sunak is set to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Sunak was formally nominated to become the Conservative leader after his rival Penny Mordaunt dropped out of her leadership bid. He will prepare to take over at Downing Street after outgoing PM Liz Truss visits King Charles III to formally resign and Sunak will be officially appointed as PM. 

As Rishi Sunak is set to take over as UK PM, it will be the first time in history that occupants of 10 Downing Street will be richer than the British monarch. Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murthy have a combined fortune of about £730million (Rs 68,36,20,03,400), roughly double the wealth of King Charles III and Queen Consort, Camilla. 

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Conservative MP Nadine Dorries has called for Penny Mordaunt to be given a job by Rishi Sunak in the UK's home office. Mordaunt pulled out of the Tory leadership race on October 24. Dorries tweeted, "Penny needs a job where tough decisions have to be made and she can be accountable if she wants to one day become PM. At no point in her political career has she ever had to do that. We need to see what she’s made of and for her to have the chance to prove herself. Home office."

United States President Joe Biden on Monday, October 24, called the rise of Indian-origin Rishi Sunak as the UK's next PM "pretty astounding" and a "ground-breaking milestone".

Addressing a Diwali celebration event at the White House on Monday, US President Joe Biden said, "We got the news that Rishi Sunak is now the PM of the UK. Tomorrow, he goes to see the king (King Charles). It is pretty astounding. a ground-breaking milestone and it matters."

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In a televised address, Rishi Sunak vowed to serve with "integrity" and thanked outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss for leading the country during "exceptionally difficult circumstances".

"The United Kingdom is a great country but there is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge," BBC quoted him as saying. "We now need stability and unity and I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together."

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday congratulated British Prime Minister-elect Rishi Sunak, saying it was truly a proud moment for Indians all over the world on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. "Congratulations to Mr Rishi Sunak, for being elected the first ever Indian-origin UK Prime Minister. Truly a proud moment for Indians all over the world on the auspicious occasion of Diwali!" Khattar tweeted.

UK's ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak, an Indian-origin British politician who graduated from the prestigious Oxford University became the British Prime Minister on Monday, October 24. Sunak's victory was sealed after the ousted premier Boris Johnson pulled out of the race last minute despite rumours that Johnson was bent on contesting for the Tory leadership. Rishi's support within the Tory party was clear as most Conservatives threw the weight behind his premiership bid publicly. 

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Rishi Sunak in his first-ever speech as the UK Prime Minister has promised to serve 'with integrity and humility.” As he made an address at the Conservative headquarters, he said that the UK faces a 'profound economic challenge’. He also paid tribute to Liz Truss for her leadership, as he noted that she served her role “under exceptionally difficult circumstances”. Sunak added that he is humbled to have been elected leader of the Conservative and Unionist parties. 

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There has been no confirmation about Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, joining the Cabinet. He recently threatened to step down if the commitment to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP is not praised.
 

Steve Barclay, a former chief of staff to Johnson, is expected to be given a key post in the Sunak Cabinet as he supported the Indian-origin leader instead of his former boss and close friend. Moreover, Liam Fox, a former international trade secretary, and George Eustice, a former environment secretary, are expected to get important positions.

As the country is witnessing the worst economic crisis, multiple Uk media reported that the newly appointed Chancellor of Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, may retain his post. Notably, he was appointed by Truss nearly 10 days ago after her policies backfired brutally.

As per the UK media reports, it is believed that Sunak will profer chance to many of his loyalists including Sajid Javid, health minister during the ousted PM Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, the former deputy prime minister, and John Glen, who served under him at the Treasury. According to The Telegraph, London, Mel Stride, the chairman of the Commons Treasury committee, has also been one of the former chancellor’s staunchest allies and could be in line for a return to Government.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt took to the microblogging site and congratulated Rishi Sunak for being appointed as the new PM Of the country. Hunt says it's "a time for honesty about the huge economic challenges we face".

• On Tuesday, October 25, outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss will make a statement outside No 10 and then move to Buckingham Palace for her final audience (meeting) with King Charles III. 
• Subsequently, the new Conservative Party leader, Rishi Sunak, will travel to Buckingham Palace for his first audience with the 73-year-old monarch where he will be invited to form a government.

Rishi Sunak, who has become the Leader of the Conservative Party, will officially become UK PM tomorrow morning after meeting King Charles, the prime minister's press office confirmed to BBC. 

Rishi Sunak will now be asked by King Charles III to form a government and will become the prime minister in a handover of power from Truss, likely on Tuesday. It is expected that Charles III will return to London today as and will meet the next Prime Minister on October 25.

Rishi Sunak has left Conservative HQ smiling, and waving amid the shouts of "Happy Diwali".

Rishi Sunak at the Conservative party Headquarters in London. Credit: Aberto Pezzali/AP

Former race adviser to Boris Johnson, and Conservative candidate for mayor of London, Samuel Kasumu, called the election of Rishi Sunak as "historic day for Britain." Kasumu hailed Sunak’s win as the first British Asian prime minister. “He’s actually the second minority ethnic Conservative prime minister after one of my heroes, Benjamin Disraeli,” Kasumu told Guardian.He was referring to Britain’s first and only Jewish prime minister who was elected in 1868.

"There is no doubt that this is still a historic day for Britain. The country needs him to succeed, and he has my full support,"  Kasumu reportedly stressed. 

UK's new leader Rishi Sunak iterated that it is "the greatest privilege of my life” to be elected as the PM. He told the party that he is “humbled and honoured” to win the backing of more than 100 lawmakers that sealed his victory.  “The United Kingdom is a great country, but there is no doubt there are profound economic challenges,” he added. “We need stability and unity, and I will make it my utmost priority to bring our party and our country together,” continued the new UK prime minister.

“I pledge that i will serve you with integrity and humility … I will work day in, day out to deliver for the British people,” he concluded at the end of the speech. 

Rishi Sunak is reportedly about to give his first speech on camera at the Conservative Headquarter since becoming the Tory leader and UK PM. It is speculated that the cameras weren't allowed in the room. This reportedly is being criticised by the Labour Party.

Rishi Sunak is set to become the UK’s new Prime Minister as he gets to succeed the shortest-serving Tory leader Liz Truss. As he will be pronounced a prime minister by British King Charles III on Monday, Sunak will become the third person to lead the country in seven weeks. He is also the fifth since 2016.

Demanding that the UK must hold general elections now, the leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats party labelled Rishi Sunak as “out-of-touch." 

“The Conservatives have trashed our economy, pushed health services to the brink, and added hundreds of pounds to people’s mortgage payments,” MP Ed Davey tweeted. “Now Conservative MPs have installed another out-of-touch Prime Minister without giving you a say. We need [a] General Election NOW.”

Outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss congratulated Rishi Sunak and said he has her full support. “Congratulations @RishiSunak on being appointed as Leader of the Conservative Party and our next Prime Minister,” Truss said on Twitter. “You have my full support.” Truss, who replaced Boris Johnson, and resigned after 44 days in office wrote. 

Former prime minister Theresa May congratulated Rishi Sunak, saying that he has her “full support.”"Congratulations Rishi Sunak on becoming Leader of the Conservative Party. Rishi will provide the calm, competent, pragmatic leadership our country needs at this deeply challenging time. He has my full support," Theresa tweeted. 

Rishi Sunak, in his first meeting with Tory MPs, said that the party was facing an “existential threat,” according to the Guardian newspaper. Sunak is yet to make any public comments since he secured victory. 

Rishi Sunak has arrived at Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ). He was seen shaking hands with Conservative  MPs and embracing some officials. Cheers and applause resonated as the Tory leader arrived. He went to the CCHQ without addressing the press. 

Rishi Sunak has told Conservative MPs that there will be no general elections. The Tory leader addressed MPs in the Commons after the 1922 Committee announced that he was the only one in a leadership bid. 

While an election could earlier be called by the parliamentary majority of at least two-thirds, in March 2022 a new law was passed in the British parliament that repealed the 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Act. This restored the power in the prime minister's hand to request the monarch to dissolve parliament and call for a general election. And so, it is the decision of the next UK PM whether to hold the general elections. 

Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is set to become Britain’s next prime minister after winning the Conservative leadership race Monday — and now faces the huge task of stabilizing the party and country at a time of economic and political turbulence.

(Images Credit: Associated Press)

UK's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak grew up working in the shop, delivering medicines, he said during the campaign. “I worked as a waiter at the Indian restaurant down the street.” He has described how his parents saved to send him to Winchester College, one of Britain’s most expensive and exclusive boarding schools.

There he mingled with the elite. Rivals recently dug up a clip from a 2001 television documentary about the class system in which the 21-year-old Sunak said he had “friends who are aristocrats, I have friends who are upper class, I have friends who are, you know, working class — well, not working class.” After high school, Sunak studied politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford University — the degree of choice for future prime ministers — then got an MBA at Stanford University.

He worked for the investment bank Goldman Sachs as a hedge fund manager and lived in the U.S., where he met his wife, Akshata Murty. They have two daughters.

Returning to Britain, Sunak was elected to Parliament for the safe Tory seat of Richmond in Yorkshire in 2015. He served in several junior ministerial posts before being appointed chancellor of the exchequer — head of the Treasury — by Johnson in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit. Sunak resigned from the Chancellor position, which led to the fall of Boris Johnson's government and appointment of Liz Truss as the new PM. As Truss resigned, Sunak got his first leadership campaign and secured the UK Prime Minister bid. 

(Inputs of Associated Press agency)

Rishi Sunak will be Britain’s first leader of colour and the first Hindu to take the top job. At 42, he’ll also be the youngest prime minister in more than 200 years, a political prodigy whose youthful looks, sharp suits, and smooth, confident manner saw him dubbed “Dishy Rishi” by the British media.

The former UK Treasury chief was runner-up to Liz Truss in the contest to replace the scandal-plagued Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader and prime minister. But Truss quit after a turbulent 45-day term, and Johnson has abandoned a comeback attempt. That left Sunak out front, and he won the race Monday to be the leader of the Conservative Party and will assume the office he missed out on less than two months ago.

(Associated Press report)

The race for the position of the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister is over, with Rishi Sunak emerging winner. Conservative leadership contender Penny Mordaunt dropped out, clearing the road for Sunak to become the UK's first Indian-origin PM. This has created a tremendous buzz online. Many online have already started making demands for the ‘Kohinoor’ diamond to be returned to India.

Read full story here 

"People need to be democratically involved, and this must include general elections," Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay told Guardian, weighing in on the Labour's calls to hold the general elections across the UK. "The country cannot afford more divisive infighting amongst a few elitist Conservatives whose policies are failing people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis," Ramsay was quoted as saying by the paper. Leader of the Reform Party UK, Richard Tice is also calling for the general elections. 

"Even Conservative Party MPs and members have been excluded from the vote this time," the Green Party member alleged. 

UK's opposition Labour Party is calling for a general election after the former chancellor was officially declared the new Conservative leader on Monday.  Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, accused Sunak of “dodging scrutiny," in a statement to Guardian newspaper. 

"The Tories have crowned Rishi Sunak as prime minister without him saying a single word about how he would run the country, and without anyone having the chance to vote," Rayner was quoted as alleging. 

"This is the same Rishi Sunak who as chancellor failed to grow the economy, failed to get a grip on inflation, and failed to help families with the Tory cost of living crisis. And it’s the same Rishi Sunak whose family avoided paying tax in this country before he put up taxes on everyone else," she continued.  “With his record - and after Liz Truss comprehensively beat him over the summer - it’s no wonder he is dodging scrutiny. Rishi Sunak has no mandate and no idea what working people need," she asserted. 

"We need a general election so the public get a say on the future of Britain – and the chance for a fresh start with Labour," UK's opposition Labour Party's member told the paper. 

King Charles will return to London from Sandringham, and will be in Buckingham Palace, according to reports. He will accept Liz Truss’s resignation and appoint Rishi Sunak as PM tonight. Sunak will be asked by King Charles III to form a government. He would become the prime minister in a handover of power from Truss later Monday or on Tuesday.

Rishi Sunak promised “integrity, professionalism and accountability” in new government if he was elected as the UK PM. Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak was the strong favorite Monday to become Britain’s next prime minister — within days or even hours — as the governing Conservative Party sought stability at a time of immense economic challenges and after months of chaos that consumed the past two leaders. He is set to becoming the UK prime minister after rival Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the Tory leadership bid.

Sunak lost out to Truss in the last Conservative election, but his party and the country now appear eager for a safe pair of hands to tackle soaring energy and food prices and a looming recession. The politician steered the economy through the coronavirus pandemic, winning praise for his financial support for laid-off workers and shuttered businesses.

The 42-year-old became the only candidate on Monday with confirmed support from more than 100 lawmakers, the number needed to run in the election, with his backers claiming he was endorsed by more than half the 357 Conservative lawmakers in Parliament. 

(Associated Press)

Rishi Sunak, the UK-born son of Indian-origin general practitioner father Yashvir and pharmacist mother Usha, is set to be the UK's new Prime Minister. During his previous ill-fated campaign against Liz Truss, he'd spoken extensively of his migrant roots and also referenced making history by lighting Diwali diyas at 11 Downing Street as the first Indian-origin Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"Sixty years after my Naniji boarded a plane in East Africa, on a warm sunny evening in October, her great-grandaughters, my kids, played in the street outside our home, painted Rangoli on the doorstep, lit sparklers and diyas; had fun like so many other families on Diwali. Except the street was Downing Street, and the door was the door to No. 11, said Sunak, in his campaign video a few months ago.

That personal story also extended to a visibly emotional reference to his parents-in-law  Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy as he hit back at attacks on his wife Akshata Murthy's family wealth.

"I'm actually incredibly proud of what my parents-in-law built, he said, during heated television debates over the past few months."

As a devout Hindu, Sunak is a regular at the temple where he was born in Southampton and his daughters, Anoushka and Krishna, are also rooted in the Indian culture.

Read full report here

Rishi Sunak has urged the Tories to "unite" at private meeting and reportedly did not speak for long at the private address. Sunak in his campaign statement had earlier stated that he is focused on the economy and on party unity. The ex British chancellor had noted he wanted to help "steer the economy through the toughest times". Sunak was mainly focusing on two things, firstly the economy, as "backers feel vindicated by what happened under Liz Truss."  Second, he laid emphasis on "unity." Experts believe that Sunak wants to be the one to drive the momentum of change for the Conservative party with respect to unity. 

Penny Mordaunt who recently dropped out of the Tory leadership race is addressing Tory MPs at the 1922 Committee, as per the reports. Rishi Sunak has been confirmed as the new prime minister of Britain. 

Former UK prime minister David Cameron congratulated Rishi Sunak for becoming the new UK PM. Cameron said that nearly 10 years ago he had believed that the  Conservatives would be the first party to elect an Indian leader. "I predicted a decade ago that Conservatives would select our first Brit Indian PM & proud today that comes to be. I wish Rishi the v best, he has my wholehearted support," he tweeted. 

Rishi Sunak is set for the coronation on Monday as the UK’s new prime minister. His victory was sealed after Penny Mordaunt dropped out of her leadership bid. 

Ex-Tory minister Richard Harrington has told World at One that Rishi Sunak will be the next Prime Minister of UK. "He's a lot smarter” than Penny Mordaunt," said Harrington. Sunak has more than 100 MPs support currently. 

Penny Mordaunt has dropped out of the contest, and Rishi Sunak is the next PM as per the reports coming in. 

It is being speculated that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's speech to Tory MPs will be in private, according to the reports emerging. Sunak was confirmed as new prime minister after Penny Mordaunt dropped out from her leadership bid. 

As Rishi Sunak becomes the new Prime Minister of UK, Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, is making a statement at this time. He has announced that there is now only one valid nomination, “and Rishi Sunak is therefore elected as leader of the Conservative party”.Sunak will address Tory MPs at 2.30 pm or 7:00 pm IST in the Commons.

British Conservative Party politician, Heather Wheeler, who backs Sunak's rival Penny Mordaunt has said that she has the 100 nominations she needs, according to Sky News. 

Conservative Party is expected to name the leading candidates for the Tory leadership bid and the British premiership. Rishi Sunak, the former Chancellor of the UK, is expected to win outright as he has the support of more than 100 MPs, about 51% of the Conservative lawmakers. Penny Mordaunt reportedly does not have the required 100 votes yet. 

 Penny Mordaunt is being urged by supporters to pull out of the contest "with dignity," it is being speculated by the reports. Backer of Mordaunt Tory MP Damian Collins refused to comment on the speculations saying that lot of work was going to "get her over the line”. She has 90 nominations from MPs who publicly back her. 

 Rishi Sunak on Monday was the strong favorite to become Britain’s next prime minister within days — or even hours — after former leader Boris Johnson dropped out of the Conservative Party leadership contest.

After the resignation of Liz Truss last week, the governing party is choosing Britain’s third prime minister this year at a time of political turmoil and severe economic challenges.

(Source: AP)

A former Scottish secretary, David Mundell, who had backed the now-ousted British Prime Liz Truss, says that she had wrongly believed Liz Truss "would have been a dull and geeky” adding that the Tory leader and the outgoing UK PM actually “poured a bucket of petrol over everything”. Mundell had introduced Truss to party members at the Perth leadership hustings in September, according to Guardian. He now backs Rishi Sunak. 

UK Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis has publicly endorsed Rishi Sunak for the Tory leadership. Chris Heaton-Harries, the Northern Ireland secretary, has also declared the backing. 

Ahead of today's today’s 2pm or 6:30 pm deadline for nominations, Rishi Sunak has garnered backing of 182 MPs, about 51% of MPs support. Several MPs that previously backed Boris Johnson now publicly have made allegiance to Sunak. This includes key British politicians James Cleverly, Nadhim Zahawi, and Priti Patel.

Penny Mordaunt's campaign says that she has the support of 90 Tory MPs, reports have claimed. "We have now passed 90. For the sake of the party, it’s important our members have their say," the source was quoted as saying. The nominations close today at 6:30 pm IST or 2 pm UK time, Monday and only  30 MPs have come out supporting Mordaunt publicly. Some MPs are reportedly sceptical about the said figures. 

Former Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, known as the critic of the ousted prime minister Boris Johnson, has publicly backed Rishi Sunak's premiership bid, saying that the ex-Chancellor is the "best person for the job," according to Guardian newspaper. Davidson issued a statement amid the calls strengthening for the general elections by the members of the opposition Labour party members and Boris Johnson's allies and loyalists.

"I backed Rishi in the summer and continue to believe he’s the best person for the job," said Ruth Davidson. "The challenges facing the country are significant, but the government has a duty to meet those challenges head on – to level with the country as to why and to what end decisions are being taken. There are so many people struggling and worried out there. Frankly, a return to moderate, grown up, honest, stable government cannot come soon enough."

Secretary of State for International Trade of the UK Kemi Badenoch and UK's Gavin Williamson, the ex-education secretary visited Rishi Sunak’s campaign headquarters earlier today, according to PA Media. 

Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is strong favorite to become Britain’s next prime minister within days — or even hours — after former leader Boris Johnson dropped out of the Conservative Party leadership contest. After the resignation of Liz Truss last week, the governing party is choosing Britain’s third prime minister this year at a time of political turmoil and severe economic challenges.

Sunak, 42, is the only candidate with confirmed support from more than 100 lawmakers, the number needed to run in the election. House of Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt has far fewer expressions of support, but is aiming to reach the threshold by the time nominations close at 2 p.m. If Mordaunt does not reach 100 nominations, Sunak will win by acclamation and could move into 10 Downing St. by Monday evening.

If both make the ballot, the 357 Conservative lawmakers will hold an indicative vote on Monday to show their preference. If neither subsequently drops out, the choice will go to the 172,000 party members around the country, with a result announced Friday. Mordaunt will come under intense pressure to step aside and not force a membership vote if Sunak is the strong favorite among lawmakers.

Home Secretary Grant Shapps, a Sunak supporter, said the former Treasury chief did not think he had the contest “in the bag.”

“He’s speaking to colleagues this morning, he’s working very hard to attract those supporters who were perhaps with Boris Johnson previously,” Shapps said. “But, look, I’ll leave it to Penny, she’s a terrific colleague. Let’s see what happens.”

Associated Press 

UK stocks are up as ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak is poised to become the Prime Minister and has reached the threshold of more than 100 MPs' support. The cost of government borrowing has also slumped as Sunak is slated to become the next leader, according to British reports. 

UK's Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt has said that he is backing the ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak "to restore stability and confidence." In his piece with Daily Telegraph, Hunt explained that UK's public finances, market credibility, and international reputation have "taken a serious blow." 

"To restore stability and confidence, we need a leader who can be trusted to make difficult choices. We also need someone who can explain those choices to members of the public who are worried about jobs, mortgages, and public services.We have a leader who can do just that in Rishi Sunak," Hunt said. 

Rishi Sunak did not consider victory “in the bag," Grant Shapps, the home secretary and Sunak's supporter said during an interview, according to the Guardian newspaper.  "Rishi doesn’t think that it’s in the bag, he’s speaking to colleagues this morning, he’s working very hard to attract those supporters who were perhaps with Boris Johnson previously," he said. 

Conservative MP Andrew Stephenson, who previously backed Boris Johnson, is now supporting Rishi Sunak for the Prime Minister bid. "Now Boris Johnson has ruled himself out it is essential that all Conservatives unite around a new leader and help them tackle the challenges we face," he wrote. 

A former supporter of ex-PM Boris Johnson Priti Patel on Monday backed the bid of Rishi Sunak for Tory leadership. Priti Patel, the former home secretary, said that the Tory members must unite for the party must focus on "putting public service first and work together." 

Michael Gove has urged the Tories to back the ex-UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak for the premiership bid. "It is time now for the Conservative party to unite behind Rishi Sunak - there are big challenges ahead and the national interest requires us to show resolution and fortitude under new leadership," tweeted Gove. 

Conservative MP Christopher Chope who widely backed the ousted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to replace Liz Truss is calling for general elections, according to his statement on the Today programme. "If people who are now seeking the crown want to have the respect which comes from having a mandate, then what I’m saying is that the best way they can get that respect is by winning a mandate with the people, and that’s why I think a general election is essentially the only answer, otherwise we’re just going to go from bad to worse," Chope said at the programme. 

Further, Chope said that the Tory party is "ungovernable in the House of Commons" and so, "we’re going to have continuing rebellions as we try to change policies and so on, and so I must say I’m very pessimistic, I’m very angry, and I feel that Boris has been let down once again and undermined by our parliamentary colleagues."

If elected as the Prime Minister today, ex-Chancellor of the UK, Rishi Sunak will become the UK’s first Hindu premier and will be elected on the festival of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Sunak, a practicing Hindu has often spoken about his faith in public. He lit the candle on Diwali at 10 Downing Street during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “We’re going to get through this. And it’s going to be so much better on the other side.”

Credit: Twitter/@Bhagyashrisep29

United Kingdom's former Finance Minister and Conservative party leader Rishi Sunak who has got the backing of at least 165 MPs, is likely to be announced as the next Prime Minister of the country by Monday, October 24, if another contender in the race to become the PM, Penny Mordaunt fails to get the support of 100 MPs by Monday. Notably, according to the media reports, Mordaunt, a cabinet minister, has not received more than 30 MPs' support.

Read full story here

Shadow Attorney General, Emily Thornberry on BBC Radio 4 has called for general elections in the UK. Conservatives "crash the economy and then they say that they have the solution and they won’t let anybody else have a say," she was quoted as saying. Thornberry iterated that the current political and economic crisis in the UK could have been avoided if one was held when Boris Johnson resigned.

“Isn’t it interesting that we’re now talking about Austerity Version 2 after the conservatives crashed the budget when we weren’t talking about it at all in the summer?” asserted Thornberry. 

A long-time Conservative supporter, Guy Hands, on Monday told BBC Radio 4 listeners that, the UK economy is “frankly doomed," according to Guardian. Britons will face steadily increasing taxes, he warned. There's also risk of decreasing social services, higher interest rates, and the need for a “bailout from the IMF” if the Brexit deal is not negotiated by the next PM. Britain was on track to become the “sick man of Europe," said Hands. 

Tory MP for Ashford, Damian Green, who is backing Penny Mordaunt said that he’s “confident” Mordaunt would get the nominations and will reach the threshold, according to BBC Radio 4. Today is a “day to look forward," he said. "Penny’s numbers, I know, are well above the published figures," he stressed. “Penny is the person best-positioned to unify the party,” furthermore the MP added. 

Penny Mordaunt has praised ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying that he “put country before party, and party before self”. She further added, "he worked to secure the mandate and the majority we now enjoy."

An ex-Conservative MP Paul Goodman addressed Penny Mordaunt on BBC Radio Four, saying, “For the good of the country, just don’t push it”. His remarks came after Conservative Laura Evans said that she does not  know "why everyone thinks suddenly having a general election, when we’ve got the issues with Ukraine, is suddenly going to help”. The latter called the politics in “shambolic”, adding that the UK needs “stability” by electing a prime minister and not conducting the general elections. 

Stephen McPartland who widely backed Johnson, sharing hashtag #bringbackboris multiple times said in a tweet that he “respects Johnson’s decision." Further, the British politician added that he “stood aside in the national interest." 

Former UK chancellor Rishi Sunak on Monday praised Boris Johnson for his leadership when he was Prime Minister of the Nation. Taking to Twitter, Sunak said the former British PM led the nation through difficult challenges. He said, “Boris Johnson delivered Brexit and the great vaccine roll-out. He led our country through some of the toughest challenges we have ever faced, and then took on Putin and his barbaric war in Ukraine.” 

In a subsequent tweet, Sunak also noted that he hopes Johnson would continue to contribute to public life both at home and abroad.   

Former chancellor Rishi Sunak seems to become the next leader of the country as he got the backing of at least 165 MPs. Meanwhile, contender Penny Mordaunt, who missed out on the last contest’s run-off by just eight votes, will now come under pressure to surpass the India-original leader.
 

In a surprise move, former British PM Boris Johnson on Sunday announced that he will not be contesting the Conservative Party leadership race, with frontrunner Rishi Sunak moving a step closer to be elected Britain’s first Indian-origin prime minister. The 55-year-old former leader claimed he had crossed the 100-MPs threshold but decided not to go forward in the interest of Tory party’s unity.

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Johnson, who was ousted in July amid ethics scandals, had been widely expected to run to replace Liz Truss, who quit last week after her tax-cutting economic package caused turmoil in financial markets, was rapidly abandoned and obliterated her authority inside the governing party.

Johnson spent the weekend trying to gain support from fellow Conservative lawmakers after flying back from a Caribbean vacation and held talks with the two other contenders, Sunak and House of Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt. But Johnson has clarified today that neither of them was ready to compromise.

Boris Johnson's withdrawal leaves former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak the strong favourite to become Britain’s next prime minister — the third this year — at a time of political turmoil and severe economic challenges. He could win the contest as soon as Monday.

In a major development, former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, confirmed on Sunday that he is not in the race for the UK PM but asserted he has the support of at least 102 MPs. "Cleared the very high hurdle of 102 nominations but came to the conclusion that "this is simply not the right time," he said in a statement released on Sunday. "And though I have reached out to both Rishi and Penny - because I hoped that we could come together in the national interest - we have sadly not been able to work out a way of doing this," he added.

UK Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg told the BBC on Sunday that he spoke with Johnson and “clearly he’s going to stand” after flying back to London Saturday from a vacation in the Dominican Republic.

James Heappey, MP for Wells and Minister of State for the Armed Forces announced his support for the top contender Rishi Sunak. Taking to the microblogging site, he said, "I’ve been agonising all weekend knowing that our choice as next PM must bring together our divided party & restore stability to our Government. All wings of our party will need to work together after the contest to achieve that but I’m supporting @RishiSunak to lead us in doing so."

Ex-Home Secretary of the UK who resigned during the tenure of Liz Truss as the prime minister, Suella Braverman, has backed Rishi Sunak as the next leader. She did not support ousted premier Boris Johnson stressing that now is not the time for "fantasies". Braverman was reportedly sacked by Liz Truss last week, and she had also saliently alleged "bullying" and harassment in her letter as she stepped down. On Sunday, she urged the Tory MPs to not be "naive" as they face an important question on the leadership bid, UK's Telegraph reported.

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Paul Bristow, Tory MP for Peterborough told BBC that former PM Boris Johnson has the support of 100 MPs and added the ousted leader will be on the ballot tomorrow. "I'm confident Boris has got the numbers, I'm confident Boris will be in this contest, and in it to win it," he says. Further, he claimed Johnson has a mandate and "he won convincingly" the 2019 elections.

As the UK reeling under the worst economic as well as a political crisis, the former Bank of England governor Mervyn King warned of tough times ahead. According to King, "Britons face years of financial hardship that could be more difficult than during the age of austerity under the former Conservative chancellor George Osborne". Further, he asserted that households may face high taxes and higher mortgage rates.

Amid political turmoil in the UK, uncertainty remained after British media reported that the top contender Rishi Sunak held late-night talks with former PM Boris Johnson on Saturday. Speculation mounted that the pair could strike a deal to unite the fractured governing party after it was left reeling from Truss’ rapid downfall following Johnson’s ouster. According to the data compiled by several British news outlets, the Indian-origin former minister has the backing of at least 124 Conservative lawmakers. That’s well ahead of the 100 nominations required to qualify.

Michelle Donelan MP, the culture secretary, came out in support of Rishi Sunak saying that she supports his “unity, stability, delivery and relentless focus”. Donelan has served under Johnson for two days and had resigned. She now says that it is important for the party to “come together and unite”.

Conservative MPs have been nominating candidates for the Tory leadership bid since Thursday. Only Penny Mordaunt and Rishi Sunak have officially declared their candidacy. Allies and loyalists to Boris Johnson believe he will also stand in the election, although, Johnson is yet to make that announcement. Monday will see the final two contenders and the next Prime Minister for UK. Here are key events to track tomorrow: 

At 2 pm or 6:30 pm IST, we'll know the ballot

1922 committee of backbench MPs will announce which candidates made it to the ballot. Candidates who secure the backing of more than 100 MPs will be listed. According to Sky News, the committee will only publish the names of the candidate's proposer and seconder and will omit the other 98 names. The candidate who will meet the threshold will become PM.

2.30 pm or 7:00 pm IST, hustings in parliament scheduled

At 2.30 pm UK time, or 7:00 pm IST on Monday UK PM candidates who will be in the race will take part in hustings in the UK parliament. Here, the contenders make their case to MPs. A secret ballot will then be held. 

6 pm or 10:30 pm IST results to be announced

Results of the MPs ballot will be announced at 10:30 pm Indian Standard Time, 6 pm in the UK. The candidate who receives the minimum votes will be eliminated. Number of MPs backing each contender will be revealed, but not the names.

9 pm or 1:30 am IST ballot if three candidates make to the ballot

A vote will be cast if only there are three MPs who make it onto the ballot to decide the final two candidates.

After Monday

Membership will vote for the next party leader online with two candidates in the race. The final result will be announced on Friday. 

A new poll from Opinium shows that Britons prefer Rishi Sunak over Boris Johnson to be the next prime minister of the UK. The former Chancellor leads in support for the Tory leadership race with a whopping 45% vouching for to become the next prime minister. While 27% prefer Boris Johnson. 

Boris Johnson "has learned lessons,"  foreign secretary James Cleverly has said, as he announced he will vote for him in Monday’s vote if he contests. “[He] will ensure the focus is on the needs of the country from day 1,” said Cleverly, johnson's ex  education secretary. 

Political analyst Patrick Flynn has said that Rishi Sunak has attracted more Johnson supporters from 2019. In a tweet he said: "Sunak now has more support from MPs who backed Boris Johnson in 2019 (31) than Johnson himself (26).

Will Quince has become the latest MP to support Rishi Sunak. He had stepped down as children’s minister in July from Boris Johnson’s government over his standing on Chris Pincher's case. 

Backbenchers  Peter Gibson and Stuart Andrew have also tweeted their support for Rishi Sunak to vote for him on Monday. Gibson said that he was “grateful to [Johnson] for all he has done” but was backing Sunak for the leadership. Andrew meanwhile wrote that Sunak has “a detailed focus on the economy”.A total 214 of the party’s 357 MPs have publicly backed Sunak. 

Penny Mordaunt has outrightly denied that there were deal talks with former UK PM Boris Johnson. Speaking to BBC One the British Secretary said that such claims were "completely false" and that she was "in it" [the race]"to win it". 23 MPs have declared their support publicly for Mordaunt.  The latter on Sunday noted that it was  "critical" to rebuild stability in politics. Mordaunt was the first MP to come out publicly about her leadership bid to replace Liz Truss. 

DWP cabinet minister has said that she will support Rishi Sunak. UK's work and pensions secretary Chloe Smith declared her support saying that she had spoken to Sunak and “listened to views of local members." “I intend to back Rishi to be prime minister, acting in the national interest and achieving the stability and opportunity that our nation needs," she tweeted. 

Former governor of the Bank of England to Laura Kuenssberg Mervyn King believes that the economy is unsurprisingly a focal point of the Conservative party leadership race, according to a statement given to BBC One. Taxes significantly higher on an average person would be needed to finance higher public spending in the UK. "There “isn’t enough money there amongst the rich to get it back," noted the ex-governor.

"I think everyone can see there is a strong case for higher public spending in certain areas as we recover from the lockdown period and in many ways people are very good at identifying areas where public spending should be higher in the longer term," says Mervyn King.

Nominations for the next Conservative Party leader will close at 14:00 BST on Monday, according to BBC. 211 out of 357 Tory MPs have gone public with their support, as the outlet has underlined. Many MPs may not have declared their backing. Candidates require the support of at least 100 Conservative MPs to declare the ballot and contest. 

• Rishi Sunak - 133 MPs
• Boris Johnson - 55 MPs
• Penny Mordaunt - 23 MP

The new tally for Rishi Sunak's backers has reached 130 MPs, according to Guardian's count. Mark Pawsey has also voiced support for Rishi Sunak taking the count to 130 MPs that declared they will vote for him on Monday. "I supported Rishi Sunak to be my party's leader and the country's Prime Minister due to the seriousness, competence, and professionalism he will bring to both roles. I am pleased to continue to offer my support for Rishi to lead us through the challenging times ahead," the backbencher wrote. 

UK Home secretary Grant Shapps who entered into the role after Suella Braverman’s resignation has supported Rishi Sunak for his premier bid. Former transport secretary under Boris Johnson said Sunak will provide “stability and proven economic competence." He is the 129th MP to back Sunak, according to Guardian newspaper. 

Former UK chancellor Rishi Sunak, who garnered the most support from the MPs, reportedly 126  in the leadership contest said on Sunday that he wants to “fix our economy, unite our party and deliver for our country”. 126 MPs.  In his statement shared onTwitter, Sunak said: “The choice our party makes now will decide whether the next generation of British people will have more opportunities than the last. That’s why I am standing to be your next prime minister and leader of the Conservative party. I want to fix our economy, unite our country and deliver for our country." 

Boris Johnson's former Deputy PM Dominic Raab on Sunday said that there was a major issue "which led to him having to resign." According to BBC, Raab said he would "love" to see the ex-PM return to frontline politics, but that Partygate and the resulting inquiry have created a "spiral," the outlet reported. 

Former Deputy PM Dominic Raab has said that the support for Rishi Sunak is "growing by the hour." Raab has declared support for Sunak in the race to become Conservative leader and UK PM. 

As the UK Prime Minister Liz Truss announced her resignation, Penny Mordaunt expressed confidence in her chances of becoming the next British Prime Minister. 

While the world waited to find out who would lead the Conservative Party, the cabinet minister Mordaunt said during the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, “I am very confident about the progress we are making and I will say to you I am in this to win it." 

Furthermore, Penny Mordaunt said that she received the backing of 105 MPs in the most recent leadership election. 

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Two more MPs have come out in support for Rishi Sunak's premiership bid for Monday's ballot. Geoffrey Cox, the former attorney general under Theresa May and Boris Johnson has voiced his support on Twitter. Sunak was “best suited to manage the peculiar demands of these times," he said. Jesse Norman, a minister under both Truss and Johnson, also supported Sunak. 

Conservative MP Geoffrey Cox declares support for Rishi Sunak after he announces UK PM bid. In a tweet, Cox said, "I shall be supporting Rishi Sunak who is now the best suited to manage the peculiar demands of these times and the best qualified to produce the credible and coherent government this country needs. It is time to get back to serious government."

Former UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has claimed that if Rishi Sunak wins the Tory leadership race, UK will be in "general election territory within weeks." Dorries, who is backing Boris Johson in the PM race,in a tweet said "If Rishi Sunak were to win, the focus of the privileges committee I am absolutely certain would move straight onto Rishi Sunak and what he knew - in order to embolden Labours call for a general election. With Rishi we will be in general election territory within weeks."

Rishi Sunak has confirmed that he is standing to be the leader of the Conservative Party and UK Prime Minister. In a statement, Sunak said, "The United Kingdom is a great country but we face a profound economic crisis. That’s why I am standing to be Leader of the Conservative Party and your next Prime Minister. I want to fix our economy, unite our Party and deliver for our country."

Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi has declared support for former UK PM Boris Johnson. Taking to his Twitter handle, Zahawi said that Johnson "got the big calls right" and cited his decisions regarding vaccines and delivering on his promises mentioned in the manifesto. He further added, "When I was Chancellor, I saw a preview of what Boris 2.0 would look like. He was contrite & honest about his mistakes. He’d learned from those mistakes how he could run No10 & the country better. With a unified team behind him, he is the one to lead us to victory & prosperity." 

Penny Mordaunt has refuted the reports that she has spoken to former UK PM Boris Johnson's camp over a potential deal. Speaking to BBC News, Mordaunt has denied reports that claimed that she offered a job in return for supporting her. 
 

Penny Mordaunt has announced that Jeremy Hunt will continue to remain the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer if she becomes Britain's PM. Speaking to BBC News, Mordaunt said that she sat down with Hunt at the Treasury and has been informed about the planned fiscal statement on 31 October. 
 

Conservative MP Damian Green has stressed that the party "should not put the country through another Boris Johnson premiership." Speaking to Sky News, Green said that they have witnessed how the government led by Johnson "literally fell apart." He further announced that he is supporting Penny Mordaunt in the Tory leadership race. 

According to the tally of BBC News, Rishi Sunak now has the support of 128 Tory MPs while Boris Johnson has the backing of 53 MPs and Penny Mordaunt 23. So far, Penny Mordaunt is the only leader who has officially announced that she would be running in the race to become UK's Prime Minister. 
 

As the candidacy deadline for the contest to succeed Liz Truss as prime minister is closer, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak on Saturday evening held talks. According to the Mail on Sunday, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was attempting to convince his former chancellor Sunak that he should return to No. 10 and that Sunak would get a key position if he is successful. 

However, as The Sunday Times reported, on Saturday night, eminent Tory donors urged Johnson, whose three years in office were plagued by controversy, not to stand against Sunak in the contest. Among the donors, a former party treasurer, Mick Davis told the newspaper that it was "delusional" to think Johnson could create a stable administration. 

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SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has urged Labour Party leader Keir Starmer to submit a formal vote of the no-confidence motion. As per a Sky News report, Blackford has written to Starmer to urge him to "trigger a motion of no-confidence" in Tory government and stressed that "it is time for people to have their say in the general election." 
 

Conservative MP for East Yorkshire, Greg Knight has offered support to Rishi Sunak in UK PM race. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Knight said, "I am backing Rishi Sunak to be Prime Minister. He has the experience, resolve and ability to do the job well."

Conservative MP Sarah Atherton has declared support for Boris Johnson for UK PM's post. In a Facebook post, Atherton said, "I have spoken to and heard from many Wrexham constituents over the past few days. Whilst mistakes have been acknowledged, the people of Wrexham are more concerned with the bigger challenges we now face, namely the rising cost of living and the impact of the war in Ukraine. They’ve made it clear who they want and that’s why I’m backing Boris."

Conservative MP Tim Loughton has declared support for Rishi Sunak in PM's race. Loughton tweeted, "In Rishi & Penny we have 2 experienced credible grown-ups, both up to being PM and who must be at the top of the new Cabinet with Ben and Jeremy. Clear Rishi has overwhelming support from Parliamentary Party & after consulting my members & constituents I am happy to nominate him."

Amid the political rift in the Conservative Party, Opposition leaders have now demanded to hold general elections and opined the incumbent leaders have demonstrated that they no longer have the mandate to rule the United Kingdom. Joining the trend, the leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, underscored that the outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss, instead of resolving the economic crisis, has failed to address even the basic concerns of the Britons. Starmer opined that the Truss-led government has brought a catastrophic situation in the country.

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Conservative MP Paul Holmes has announced support for Rishi Sunak in the race for PM and stressed that he has "track record of delivery." Holmes tweeted, "We need stability and experience at the top of our Government to get us through these tough times, @RishiSunak has the track record of delivery. Therefore I can confirm I’ve nominated him for Leader of the Conservative Party and will be voting for him on Monday."

Former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman "heavily courted" by Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, Sky News reported citing her ally. Braverman has not yet revealed who she is supporting for the post of UK Prime Minister.  

Former Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Michael Anthony Ashcroft has offered support to Rishi Sunak in the Prime Ministerial race. In a tweet, Ashcroft said, "Whatever the talents of @BorisJohnson and he has many but this is not his time…Boris please support Rishi (it’s now only between @RishiSunak and @PennyMordaunt and while I do love Penny ( she has the same birthday as me) it’s not her time either. So a coronation for Rishi pls."

According to the tally of The Guardian, Rishi Sunak now has the support of 126 Tory MPs while Boris Johnson has the backing of 55 MPs and Penny Mordaunt 24.

Constitutionally, no general election is required in Britain for two more years. But as the prime ministers come and go, selected by a tiny proportion of the population, a lot of Britons are beginning to wonder why they are not getting a chance to influence who is their next leader. The clamour for a general election in the near future is only likely to get louder.

Johnson has so far won the support of six Cabinet ministers, including respected Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. But he was lagging behind Sunak in publicly declared support, Saturday, as was Mordaunt. Bookmakers make Sunak the most likely next leader.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has given a hilarious reaction after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a key endorsement in the PM race on Saturday. With former UK PM Liz Truss reigning on October 20 after spending just 45 days in office, the ball is once again in the Conservative Party's court to decide who will serve as the next head of the government.

Amid the political rift in Conservative Party, Opposition leaders have now demanded to hold general elections and opined the incumbent leaders have demonstrated that they no longer have the mandate to rule the United Kingdom. Joining the trend, the leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, underscored the outgoing Prime Minister Liz Trus, instead of resolving the economic crisis, she has failed to address even the basic concerns of the Britons. Starmer opined that the Truss-led government has brought a catastrophic situation in the country.
 

A meeting between the top two contenders-- Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson-- has been taking place tonight in London, sources told the BBC and Sunday Times. According to a report by The Telegraph, London, Johnson is "desperate" to come back as the UK PM and has reportedly suggested his former colleague Sunak opt out of the race. 

Justin Tomlinson MP also came in support of the top contender Rishi Sunak. Taking to the microblogging site, he said, "Rishi Sunak is best placed to deliver."

Although former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been claiming of having enough backing, Health minister Robert Jenrick criticised him and claimed: "it is not the right time for Johnson to return". Meanwhile, Johnson's former housing secretary echoed the same saying, "There may be another time for Boris." "We should not forget that 43 days ago the party removed Boris Johnson as serious issues engulfed his premiership. Some of these remain unresolved," BBC quoted him as saying.

Tory MP Greg Hands says Boris Johnson is the "wrong choice" for the Conservative Party's leadership race, according to Sky News.  The MP was among many who pushed for the former leader to resign over the series of political scandals. There is "no reason to have any more confidence today that he could put together an effective government," he told the broadcaster. "It has to be Rishi Sunak."

"People forget quickly. I don't. I was with Boris late on the evening of 6 July. He offered me Northern Ireland secretary (a position not to be thrown around lightly), if I could just show the world he could indeed form a government," he was quoted as saying.  "I think he would have offered me almost anything. I refused. Indeed, as we sat there, more resignations of junior ministers, whips and PPSs were coming in."  Further Hands reminded, that he told Johnson to resign, as he couldn't form a government. "Doubtless others said the same. The next morning, he duly did resign.I have no reason to have any more confidence today that he could put together an effective government," he stressed. 

After Boris Johnson's key allies claimed that he has more than 100 MP backers in leadership race, Rishi Sunak's supporters and Britons publicly bashed the former British PM, while some other questioned where those backers were. Johnson's key allies earlier today deserted him after withdrawing support publicly. Members of the public labelled the ex UK PM "a liar" speaking to broadcaster Sky News. One in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham supported Rishi Sunak rather than Boris Johnson to be the next UK Prime Minister. 

"He's not a competent leader," the British member of public told Sky News, adding that ex UK PM shall not come to power. "I can't have a liar in parliament. I just can't have it," another told the outlet as it gauged public sentiments. 

Former housing secretary Robert Jenrick supported Rishi Sunak, saying that  "stakes could not be higher" for UK and that Johnson cannot make a comeback under such circumstances. Tory MP said UK was in need of a "serious" and "competent leadership," adding that Rishi Sunak could deliver. 

"Boris defeated Jeremy Corbyn, got Brexit across the line, marshalled us through the pandemic, and led Europe's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine," Jenrick wrote on Twitter. "He will go down in history as a consequential leader who got the big calls right. However, we should not forget that 43 days ago the party removed Boris Johnson as serious issues engulfed his premiership," the ex-housing secretary added. 

"Some of these remain unresolved. Given the breath and scale of the international and domestic challenges facing the country there can be no more distractions."

Boris Johnson has received more than 100 MPs' backing and so he can now be on the ballot if he chooses, claim reports. Some MPs have also tweeted making similar claims now being widely questioned and raising speculations on Twitter. 

The new British Prime Minister will tackle the debt that rose to the highest level in almost 60 years last month and slumped retail sales, and large scale of economic challenges after ousted Prime Minister Liz Truss' administration imploded under the weight of its failed financial plan.

Public borrowing rose to 98% of economic output in September as rampant inflation increased interest payments on what the government owed, the Office for National Statistics said Friday. That’s higher than at any point since 1963 when Britain was still paying off debts accumulated during World War II.

Deepening the sense of gloom were figures showing that retail sales fell for a second straight month and are now 1.3% below pre-pandemic levels.

“Today’s weaker-than-expected public borrowing figures … are a reminder that amidst the current political turmoil, the tough task facing the government of demonstrating its fiscal credibility lie immediately ahead, rather than behind,” said James Smith, research director at the Resolution Foundation, a think tank focused on improving living standards for low- and middle-income people.

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon announced that he’s backing Rishi Sunak as he trusts that the ex British Chancellor will lead the government in the right direction. Sunak will lead a government "we can trust to provide stability, competence, good judgement and strong leadership," said Bacon on Twitter.

His support came shortly after Tory MP David Johnston said on Twitter that he will also be supporting Rishi Sunak next week. He labelled Sunak as someone "who has the right combination of ability, experience, and judgment” to lead UK.  Johnston became 105th MP to back the former British chancellor.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has given a hilarious reaction after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a key endorsement in the PM race on Saturday. With former UK PM Liz Truss reigning on October 20 after spending just 45 days in office, the ball is once again in the Conservative Party's court to decide who will serve as the next head of the government.

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Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire has backed former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the leadership bid. "The man who broke the Brexit deadlock delivered the first Covid vaccine and supported Ukraine when no one else would. The one person Labour fears the most is Boris Johnson," she tweeted. 

Tory MP for New Forest West, Desmond Swayne, on Saturday threw support behind Rishi Sunak. Swayne had earlier backed Suella Braverman, UK's Home Secretary in the previous elections that confirmed the leadership of Liz Truss. 

Former British Prime Miniter Boris Johnson was spotted waving to the press after his plane landed at Gatwick Airport on Saturday. He landed at around 10.17 am (2:47 pm Saturday, Indian Standard Time) after flying economic overnight from the Dominican Republic. he rushed to the VIP terminal, escorted by security. He then entered a van and drove off. 

Credit: Associated Press

An ex-Australian Howard government minister Peter McGauran on Saturday described the outgoing British Prime Minister as " a hopeless Prime Minister," adding that she was, nevertheless, a great friend. “Liz Truss was a great friend of Australia, when she was trade minister, she concluded a free trade agreement at record speed,” McGauran told Sky News Australia.

“When she was foreign affairs minister or secretary of state, then she … helped the AUKUS deal," he furthermore added. 

Earlier today, US President Joe Biden was asked about his opinion on Boris Johnson trying to make a comeback to replace Liz Truss. "Do you think that would be good for the US-UK relationship?" a reporter asked Biden ahead of his Marine One departure. "That’s a British decision," responded the US leader in a carefully worded answer, refraining from displaying any form of interference in British politics.

In what is being labelled as a blow to Boris Johnson’s ambition of becoming the next prime minister, his ex-Brexit leaders are vouching for Rishi Sunak to assume the premiership. They are asking the Tories to "move on" warning of risks of "chaos and confusion" that ensued last year. “He [Rishi Sunak] would mark a big change in ‘feel’ from the Boris years. That’s what we now need. Let’s get behind Rishi," Johnson's chief Brexit negotiator David Frost said on Twitter, publicly withdrawing support for the ex-premier of Britain's bid. 

Former Brexit minister and one of the closest allies of ex-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, David Frost on Saturday appealed to his colleagues on Commons to publicly support ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak to become the next Prime Minister of the UK. 

Boris Johnson will always be a hero for delivering Brexit. But we must move on. It is simply not right to risk repeating the chaos and confusion of the last year," he wrote on Twitter. “The Tory Party must get behind a capable leader who can deliver a Conservative program. That is Rishi Sunak."

Ex-British prime minister Boris Johnson’s former chief of staff, Steve Barclay, has also come out in support of Rishi Sunak. "I’m backing Rishi Sunak to be the leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister. Our country faces significant economic challenges and Rishi is best placed to address this," he wrote on his official Twitter handle. 

British MP David Johnston announced his support for former British Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Johnston described Sunak as the candidate for the premiership who has the “right combination of ability, experience, and judgment” to lead the UK. 

UK MP Roger Gale, who supports Penny Mordaunt, said that he will 'resign the whip' if Boris Johnson is elected again as the prime minister. The North Thanet MP appeared on LBC and said: “I was a member of the Conservative Party before Johnson was born. I shall die a Conservative. My wife and I have given over 100 years of service to our party,” he said.“I would have to resign the Conservative whip and I’ve made that very clear," the MP added. 

The longest continuously serving MP Sir Peter Bottomley has announced that he is backing Rishi Sunak. The latter has already reportedly become the first candidate to secure the backing of more than 100 MPs passing the threshold for the ballot. Boris Johnson, the ousted PM, told his allies that he is 'up for it' referring to his premiership bid as he flew back to London from his holiday in Dominican Republic. 

An estimated 169 out of 357 Conservative Party members have publicly displayed their support towards the candidate of their choice for the British premiership bid. Rishi Sunak has garnered more than100 MPs' backing, with Boris Johnson gaining 46 MP's support, according to British broadcaster BBC. Below is the tally of the Tory MPs backing. 

• Rishi Sunak - 102 MPs
• Boris Johnson - 46 MPs
• Penny Mordaunt - 21 MPs

Father of the ousted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Stanley, on Saturday told LBC that the general election in the UK would be “political suicide” for the Conservative party. He did not comment on if he supports  Johnson's bid for the premiership.  When asked of the general elections can be called off, Stanley said: "We don’t have rules that permit that. Suicide is pretty much illegal in most countries in the world. It’s not advisable." Asked if Tories would be committing political suicide if election s were held, he replied:"I think they would, yeah." 

Former UK Cabinet minister and Boris Johnson’s Brexit negotiator David Frost has backed Rishi Sunak. Taking to his official Twitter handle, he wrote that the Conservative party must “move on” and support a leader who can deliver the expected outcomes. 

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, who became the first Conservative leader to announce that she will be running for PM race has released her campaign video. In the video, Mordaunt spoke about her life in Portsmouth. In the video, she said, "I know about the cost of living and how frightening it can be." She said that she joined Conservative Party as she believed in its principles and values. She revealed that she fought as a Conservative candidate for seven years "before overturning a Labour majority."

In the video, Penny Mordaunt further said, "I've done some amazing things in my life. I've had a seat at the table at the World Bank and NATO. I have been to war zones and humanitarian hotspots. I owe it all to the people of Portsmouth and to this country as a whole. I draw my strength from the people I meet and the stories they tell."

Furthermore, Mordaunt said, "There are many people that think they know me, just like they think they know you. But ask yourself this, do they understand the life you live? Have they experienced it? Will they make that experience count? I have and I will."

Former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced she is supporting Boris Johnson in the leadership race. Taking to her Twitter handle, Patel said, "Boris has the mandate to deliver our elected manifesto and a proven track record getting the big decisions right. I'm backing him in the leadership contest."

Rishi Sunak's supporters claimed on Saturday that the Indian-origin former chancellor has hit the threshold of 100 members of Parliament required to make it to the shortlist for the race to replace Liz Truss as Conservative Party leader and British Prime Minister.

The 42-year-old frontrunner's tally continues to grow as former prime minister Boris Johnson flies back from his Caribbean holiday to reportedly also join the contest.

Neither Sunak nor Johnson have officially declared their intention to contest the leadership election, with Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt the only candidate to formally announce her candidacy so far.

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Former UK PM Boris Johnson has landed in the UK from his holiday in the Dominican Republic. Johnson returned to London in economy on a flight alongside his family. His return comes amid speculation that he could enter the race to become UK PM. 
 

Conservative Party leader John Lamont has announced support for Penny Mordaunt in the UK Prime Ministerial race. Lamont said that he is supporting Mordaunt to "unite" Conservative Party, deliver on the 2019 manifesto and secure a win in the general elections. 

Former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak was spotted leaving his London home on Saturday. Sunak has not formally announced his intention to stand in the Prime Ministerial race. However, several Conservative party leaders have showcased their support for Sunak in the Prime Ministerial race on social media. It is believed that Sunak has become the first Tory leadership contender to pass the minumum nomination threshold. 

Former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has become the first Tory leadership contender to pass the 100-nomination threshold, Independent reported. Notably, securing the support of 100 MPs is the minimum requirement to enter the next stage of the contest for the post of PM and Tory leader. Sunak has not formally announced his intention to stand in the Prime Ministerial race. However, several Conservative party leaders have showcased their support for Sunak in the Prime Ministerial race on social media.  

Penny Mordaunt has entered the Tory party's leadership race, again. In the previous Tory party leadership race, Mordaunt was the second runner-up, standing behind Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

After the previous Tory leadership contest ended, Mordaunt was appointed as Leader of the House of Commons. Under Boris' premiership, she served as the Minister of State at the Department for International Trade from 16 September 2021 to 6 September 2022. According to reports from Times, she enjoys considerable support amongst the Tory party's membership. 

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Former Deputy PM Dominic Raab has called it "difficult to see" how Boris Johnson could be the next UK PM if he is "absorbed" with an investigation related to partygate, Sky News reported. He said that the UK needs a PM who is "focused relentlessly and consistently with a laser-like focus" on the issues faced by the nation. Dominic Raab has declared support for Rishi Sunak and stressed that he has the "plan and credibility to restore financial stability, help get inflation down & deliver sustainable tax cuts over time; and unite the Conservatives by bringing the best talent into govt to deliver for the British people."

Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North, has announced her decision to support Rishi Sunak in Prime Ministerial race. In a tweet, Nokes revealed that she has spoken to her constituents who have said that they support Sunak as they want "economic competence and stability."

UK Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat has offered support to Rishi Sunak for Tory leadership. In a statement on Twitter, Tughendhat mentioned, "As servants of the people, we must put politics aside. This is no time for political games, for settling scores, or for looking backwards." He further said, "We need economic stability, and to put the country before party or personal gain. That is what the public rightly expects. That is our duty. That is why I will support Rishi Sunak, whose competence and experience is needed in these challenging times." 

Former UK PM Boris Johnson is expected to return to London before 2:30 pm (10 am local time), Independent reported. He is travelling back to the UK from his holiday in the Dominican Republic. He has not yet officially announced his intention to stand in the Prime Ministerial race.
 

British government debt rose to the highest level in almost 60 years last month and retail sales slumped, underscoring the scale of the economic challenges facing whoever replaces Prime Minister Liz Truss after her administration imploded under the weight of its failed financial plan.

Public borrowing rose to 98% of economic output in September as rampant inflation increased interest payments on what the government owed, the Office for National Statistics said Friday. That’s higher than at any point since 1963, when Britain was still paying off debts accumulated during World War II.

Deepening the sense of gloom were figures showing that retail sales fell for a second straight month and are now 1.3% below pre-pandemic levels.

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US President Joe Biden was asked about possibility of Boris Johnson's return as UK PM. Biden responded, "That's a British decision" when reporter asked, "There is some talk of Boris Johnson trying to make a comeback to replace Liz Truss. Do you think that would be good for the U.S.-UK relationship?" He made the remarks while speaking to reporters before his Marine One departure. 

Former UK PM Boris Johnson was reportedly greeted with "one or two boos" when he boarded a flight to travel back to London. As per Sky News, Johnson was spotted travelling on an economic flight from the Dominican Republic. He has not yet officially announced his intention to run in the leadership race for becoming the next UK PM. 
 

COP26 President Alok Sharma has come out in support of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the race for Tory leadership has started in Britain. He tweeted, "I am backing @BorisJohnson - he won a mandate from the electorate in 2019 We need to get back to delivering on the @conservatives manifesto we were elected on."

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson -- ousted by ethics scandals just three months ago -- jockeyed to make a comeback Friday as one of several contenders seeking to replace Liz Truss, whose rapid downfall threw the country’s leadership into disarray at a time of severe economic challenges.

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Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood has claimed that he is the 100th Tory MP to support Rishi Sunak for leadership race. In a tweet, Ellwood said, "The free mkt experiment is over - it’s been a low point in our Party’s great history. The reset begins. Time for centrist, stable, fiscally responsible Government offering credible domestic & international leadership. Honoured to be the 100th Tory MP to support #ReadyforRishi."

Former UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid has announced his support for Rishi Sunak for UK's leadership race. While Sunak has not officially announced he would be running in the race, Javid released a statement mentioning that the UK needs economic stability and strong leadership. He mentioned he believes Sunak would be the right choice to become the PM and wrote, "It is abundantly clear that Rishi Sunak has what it takes to match the challenges we face – he is the right person to lead our party and take the country forward."

UK's shortest-serving PM Liz Truss resigned from office on October 20, only 45 days after taking charge. Following her tumultous tenure, her predecessor Boris Johson, who was unceremoniously 'ousted' as PM, is now seeking a comeback to lead the country at a time when it has been facing the worst-ever economic crisis. According to a report by The Telegraph, London, Johnson is "desperate" to come back and has reportedly suggested the top contender and his former colleague Rishi Sunak to opt out of the race. The former PM "is making a larger point to Conservative MPs — that only he can save the party from facing defeat in the elections due in December 2024," as per the media report.

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Tory MP Nigel Mills extended support to Rishi Sunak to become the next leader. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Mills acknowledged how not supporting Sunak was a "mistake." Niger Mills tweeted, "A few weeks ago I changed my mind and didn't back @RishiSunak. I'm not making the same mistake again, he is clearly the Prime Minister we need to restore stability and tackle the many serious challenges facing the country."

Soon after Penny Mordaunt announced her intention to run for leadership, she received support from Member of Parliament for South Northamptonshire Andrea Leadsom. In a tweet, Andrea Leadsom said that she is "delighted" by Mordaunt's announcement to contest for the UK PM post. She tweeted, "Delighted by this! Penny has the experience, the compassion and the determination to lead our country to a bright future!"

Former UK PM Boris Johnson is travelling back to London from holiday. As per Sky News report, Johnson has informed an ally that he will enter the race to replace Liz Truss as the Tory leader and Britain's PM. 
 

Commons leader Penny Mordaunt has announced she would be running to become the Tory leader and next Prime Minister. In her announcement, Mordaunt wrote, "I’ve been encouraged by support from colleagues who want a fresh start, a united party and leadership in the national interest." She added, "I’m running to be the leader of the Conservative Party and your Prime Minister - to unite our country, deliver our pledges and win the next GE."

A clear frontrunner to take over from Liz Truss as Conservative Party leader and British Prime Minister remains uncertain on Friday due to deep divisions among the Tories, but the bookies' odds have rocketed in favour of British Indian former chancellor Rishi Sunak. As the runner-up of the leadership election which concluded last month, the former finance minister who had forecast much of the economic crisis unleashed by Truss' mini-budget is seen as a safe pair of hands to take charge at 10 Downing Street.

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UK's Former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock has offered support to Rishi Sunak in the Prime Ministerial race. In a tweet, Hancock said that he has worked closely with Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt. However, he added that Rishi Sunak "ticks all boxes." He tweeted, "I have worked incredibly closely with Boris, Rishi & Penny in Government. I admire all three With the challenges we face today: economic crisis & the need to restore authoritative leadership, @RishiSunak is the best person to lead our country I’m voting Rishi & hope you do too

Britain’s governing Conservative Party is electing a new leader for the second time this year. The winner will replace Liz Truss, who stepped down Thursday after 45 days in office, as party leader and will automatically become prime minister. Unlike the two-month contest held over the summer to replace Boris Johnson, party officials have designed a condensed election process that aims to have a new prime minister in place within a week.

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The UK Transport Secretary of State Anne-Marie Trevelyan has come in support of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. She asserted that he has already a clear mandate from the public. In a tweet, Anne-Marie Trevelyan said, " I have worked closely with ⁦@BorisJohnson for many years. He can continue to deliver for the country and already has a mandate. It’s time to #bringbackboris."

Rebecca Pow, who served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has backed PM contender Rishi Sunak. In a tweet, Pow said, "Unity, stability, certainty. This is what we need. And we need it now. It’s time for sense. It’s time for Sunak."