In the race for the succession Theresa May as party leader of the British Conservatives and Prime Minister vote the deputies of the Tory faction today for the first time.
Ten applicants have thrown their hat in the ring. The favorite is former Foreign Minister Boris Johnson. Johnson wants to renegotiate the agreement on the EU exit. He announced this yesterday in London in a speech to kick off his campaign. Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt and Interior Minister Sajid Javid also have good chances. Environment Minister Michael Gove had to accept a damper after confessions over previous drug use.
In the first ballot, all candidates who can bring together fewer than 17 MPs are eliminated. Ballots will be accepted between 11.00 and 13.00. A result is expected shortly afterwards. The vote is secret, so even surprises are not excluded.
Party members decide by ballot
Wackel candidates include ex-Labor Minister Esther McVey, Development Minister Rory Stewart, Mark Harper and former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Andrea Leadsom. Ex-Brexit Minister Dominic Raab and Minister of Health Matt Hancock are likely to make progress, but they are hardly expected to do more.
Further screened on Monday, when 33 proponents are needed to progress. By the end of next week, the number of candidates will then be reduced to two, which should provide in a run-off to the approximately 160,000 party members. Who becomes new Tory party leader and thus Prime Minister, should be in the week from 22 July.
