In what could be a surprise turn of events in British politics, Boris Johnson is trying his best to muster enough support to return to the British prime ministership, as key figures from the far-right of the Conservative Party rally around the accused. To betray you, man, Rishi Sunak.
Sunak, a 42-year-old former finance minister, promised on Sunday to replace Liz Truss and tackle the country’s “deep economic crisis” with “integrity, professionalism and responsibility”.
“I want to fix our economy, unify our party and positively impact our country,” Sunak, accused by Johnson’s supporters, said as he finished his three-year term as prime minister.
Sunak quit the cabinet in July, sparking an unprecedented ministerial revolt against Johnson.
The announcement that he is now the favorite for the post represents a challenge for Johnson, who has returned from a vacation in the Caribbean, to try to win the support of 100 lawmakers to enter next Monday’s election.
During his previous tenure in Downing Street, he was supported by various sections of the party, including those on the right who championed Britain’s exit from the European Union.
This time, however, many former supporters told Johnson he should step aside, after Trudeau’s chaotic six weeks in power sent financial markets into turmoil, citing the country’s need for stability and hitting the pound’s value.
Johnson faces a select committee inquiry into whether Downing Street misled parliament about the parties during the Covid-19 lockdown. If found guilty he could be forced to resign or suspended from office.
“This is no time for someone in the style of Boris,” Steve Baker, an influential lawmaker on the far right of the party who supports Chung, told Sky News. “The problem is because of the privilege vote, I’m afraid Boris will guarantee a disaster.”
After Truss was forced to step down, Britain was left in yet more political turmoil after Truss was forced to resign as his radical economic policies raised borrowing costs and mortgage rates, resulting in higher energy bills and food prices.
Sunak, Johnson and former defense minister Benny Mordant will become the country’s fifth prime minister in six years.
Opposition Leader Keir Starmer said the Conservatives’ summit was a “messy and ridiculous circus” and millions of Britons were struggling to pay their bills.
The Labor leader, along with other opposition parties, called for fresh national elections.
Deeply unpopular
The prospect of Johnson’s return remains a polarizing issue for many in the deeply divided Conservative Party, while his popularity among voters plummeted before he was forced to resign.
For some lawmakers, he is a voting champion who can woo the entire country with his popularity and conviction. To others, he is a toxic figure who can’t unify the party and therefore undermine efforts to build a stable leadership capable of calming jittery financial markets.
Foreign Secretary James wisely endorsed Johnson’s name on Sunday, saying he had “learned lessons from his time in Downing Street and will ensure he is focused on the needs of the country from day one”.
However, Sunak continues to extend his leadership at the will of parliamentarians. Sky News showed she had 140 statements of support in the House, compared to 59 for Johnson. About 130 lawmakers did not speak publicly.
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