UK PM Race: Indian-origin Rishi Sunak is set to become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom as Penny Mordent pulled out of the race, endorsing Sunak. After the loss of Liz Truss and a poor 45-day reign, Sunak finally tasted success.
The former Treasury chief will be Britain’s first leader of colour, and will face the task of stabilizing the party and the country in times of economic and political turmoil.
His only opponent, Penny Mordaunt, accepted and withdrew. As leader of the governing party, he will take over as prime minister from Liz Truss, who stepped down last week after 45 days in office.
Sunak was a strong favorite as the governing Conservative Party sought stability at a time of enormous economic challenges and after months of chaos that consumed the previous two leaders.
Sunak’s position strengthened after former leader Boris Johnson was eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership contest. The party is electing Britain’s third prime minister this year following the resignation of Liz Truss after a turbulent 45-day term.
Sunak lost to Truss in the last Conservative election, but his party and the country now appear eager for a safe pairing to deal with rising energy and food prices and an impending recession. The politician has won praise for his financial support for laid off workers and closed businesses, propelling the economy through the coronavirus pandemic.
He has promised “integrity, professionalism and accountability” on forming the government – to the growing willingness of a leader to tackle the country’s problems.
Earlier in the day, the 42-year-old was the only candidate with the support of more than 100 lawmakers, the number needed to run in the election, with his supporters claiming he was supported by more than half of the 357 Conservative lawmakers. Parliament. Mordaunt had hoped to reach the threshold by the time the nominations closed – but she backed down.
This means that Sunak is now the leader of the Conservative Party and will be asked to form a government by King Charles III. He will become prime minister later on Monday or Tuesday by handing over power from a truce.
(with inputs from AP)
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