Following the resignation of David Cameron, the Conservatives must now chose a new leader to take the party and the country forward…
Since the vote on Friday it has been a tumultuous ride for politics in the UK. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition, faced a coup within his own party, with a significant number of his cabinet stepping down. David Cameron’s resignation on Friday also left a power void in the Conservative party that needs to be filled before the UK can get on with the business of withdrawing from the EU.
While a number of high profile Tories have come forward to throw their hat into the ring it was expected former London Mayor Boris Johnson, who had been at the forefront of the leave campaign, would step up and put his name into the race. However, this is not to be. Today, Johnson said he would not run for leader, leaving any ambitions he may have had about becoming PM behind.
Also surprising was the way in which Michael Gove, former Education Secretary and current Justice Secretary, has distanced himself from Johnson. Gove was expected to back Johnson, but instead said: “I have repeatedly said that I do not want to be prime minister. That has always been my view. But events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me.
“I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future.
“But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead.”
In the running for the coveted position, aside from Gove, is Home Secretary Theresa May, who supported remain; Minister Andrea Leadsom; MP Liam Fox; and Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb.
The decision on the next leader will be announced on the 9 September.
