Prime Minister Theresa May’s announcement that she will leave 10 Downing Street has set off a fierce competition to succeed her as Conservative Party leader — and as the next prime minister. These are some of the most prominent names on a list of contenders that is expected to grow in the coming days.
LONDON — Prime Minister Theresa May’s announcement that she will leave 10 Downing Street has set off a fierce competition to succeed her as Conservative Party leader — and as the next prime minister. These are some of the most prominent names on a list of contenders that is expected to grow in the coming days.
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BORIS JOHNSON
The former foreign secretary has made no secret of his desire to take the top job when May departs.
The outspoken Johnson, with his unkempt hair and flamboyant ways, has long been one of Britain’s best known politicians, and he is believed to enjoy strong support from rank-and-file Conservative Party members.
He was a key leader of the campaign that in 2016 convinced a majority of British voters to cast ballots in favor of leaving the European Union.
Johnson, 54, planned a leadership run after that vote but eventually decided not to compete. He has already said he will seek the job this time around.
He resigned as foreign secretary in July because of unhappiness with May’s Brexit plans.
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DOMINIC RAAB
The former Brexit secretary is banking on his tireless advocacy for leaving the EU to help propel him to 10 Downing Street.
He served at the helm of the Brexit department for a relatively short time, taking the position in July and resigning in November over a policy rift with May.
Raab said he left the Cabinet because he could not « in good conscience » support the deal May had reached with EU leaders about the terms of Britain’s withdrawal.
