UK: Conservative Leadership Race Begins

JUL 8 2022·Updated AUG 11 2022

Story

Image credit: Sky News

The Facts

Candidates in the Conservative Party leadership race have begun declaring themselves after Boris Johnson resigned as PM on Thursday.
guardian
Johnson has faced a series a challenges and scandals, including receiving a fine for breaking COVID lockdown rules and facing a no-confidence vote that saw more than 40% of his MPs vote against him last month.
CNN
He was eventually forced to quit when his Chancellor and Health Sec. left their posts in protest against his mishandling of sexual misconduct allegations against the deputy chief whip, sparking a flood of almost 60 ministerial resignations.
CNN
Only three MPs have officially launched a leadership bid: ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak, foreign affairs committee chair Tom Tugendhat and Attorney General Suella Braverman. It is anticipated to be a crowded field, with ex-Health Sec. Sajid Javid, Foreign Sec. Liz Truss, Brexiteer and experienced minister Penny Mordaunt, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Health and Social Care Committee chair Jeremy Hunt expected to run.
Inews.Co.Uk
Sunak is considered a favorite by many Tory MPs, but has become more divisive after being fined over partygate, upping National Insurance, and revelations over his wife's non-dom tax status. Defense Sec. Ben Wallace is also a favorite, though it isn't yet clear if he will run.
Sky News
There is division over whether Johnson should be staying on as PM while a new Conservative leader is elected. Some of his own MPs have suggested he hand over to deputy PM Dominic Raab, while Labour Party leader Kier Starmer has suggested the opposition will call a no-confidence vote and potentially force a snap election.
Daily Mail

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Left narrative

The only thing worse than Johnson's resignation forcing an election, would be no election at all. The Tories have had 12 years of government and have only brought chaos and disorder to Britain and indecency to British Politics. The UK needs Labour leadership.

guardian

Right narrative

The chances of conservative MPs voting in favor of collapsing their own government are vanishingly small. The Tories must ignore Labour's calls and allow their leadership race to play out before rebuilding their party in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

The Telegraph

Establishment-critical narrative

The leadership election process favors those most willing to illegally fundraise, fake memberships or facilitate bulk membership purchases to bolster their popularity. The prize of such races does not go to the candidate who wins most party support - corrupt systems produce corrupt candidates.