A LOOK at likely contenders for the Conservative leadership if Theresa May loses her vote of no confidence:
Boris Johnson
Former foreign Secretary and Mayor of London who resigned his Cabinet position over the Chequers deal. Appears to have a desperate personal ambition to become Prime Minister, despite repeatedly refusing to state his ambitions. Would have support from many in the pro-Brexit camp - but could also spark an ‘Anyone But Boris’ campaign.
Philip Hammond
Chancellor under Theresa May but was at the centre of speculation this year that he was plotting with others against her being the leader to go into the next General Election. As Chancellor, he would have allies willing to back him if he decided to stand.
Esther McVey
Spent much of her ministerial career implementing Tory welfare reforms, including the bedroom tax and universal credit. Resigned as Work and Pensions Secretary over the Brexit deal and said as recently as last weekend she would consider standing as leader if she was asked to by party colleagues.
Michael Gove
Stood against Theresa May after Boris Johnson made way, but was eliminated in the voting.
Said he was backing the Prime Minister in the Brexit deal and did not resign from Cabinet unlike other Brexiteers. Would he stand against Johnson and split the pro-Brexit vote?
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Architect of the 48 letters that sparked the no confidence vote. Chair of the Arch Euro sceptic ERG European Research Group.
Amber Rudd
Former Home Secretary forced to resign over the Windrush scandal. Loyal to Theresa May. Could decide to stand but unlikely to make serious impact.
Sajid Javid
Home Secretary. Could gather support from the centre of the party if he was to decide to stand.
Jeremy Hunt
Long-term Health Secretary and was then appointed by May as Foreign Secretary taking over when Boris Johnson resigned. Experienced in the cabinet but could he get enough support to be a contender.
Dominic Rabb
Former Brexit Secretary who resigned over the deal he was responsible for negotiating. Tipped as a serious contender should he stand.
Gavin Williamson
Outside bet? Defence Secretary who was Theresa May’s campaign manager in 2016 and stated he wanted to stop Boris Johnson becoming Prime Minister.
That could be the task facing him again. Doesn’t have the profile of some of the other possible contenders but stranger things have happened.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel