Rishi Sunak is believed to have become the first Tory leadership candidate to have amassed sufficient support to make it to the ballot of Conservative colleagues.
The former chancellor’s supporters said on Friday night he had received nominations from 100 Tory MPs to pass the threshold required way ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Tobias Ellwood claims to be Rishi Sunak’s 100th supporter – if he is, that would mean the former chancellor has already passed the threshold for nominations to be the next Tory leader.
The free mkt experiment is over – it’s been a low point in our Party’s great history.
— Tobias Ellwood MP (@Tobias_Ellwood) October 21, 2022
The reset begins.
Time for centrist, stable, fiscally responsible Government offering credible domestic & international leadership.
Honoured to be the 100th Tory MP to support #Ready4Rishi pic.twitter.com/bOmlQLrtQn
A campaign source has also told the PA news agency that Sunak has reached the magic number. Prospective candidates need 100 nominations from Tory MPs in order to enter a possible first ballot.
The BBC has been keeping a tally of MPs who have either publicly supported Sunak or indicated to the BBC that they back him. That figure is currently at 84.
Other Tories who have in the last few moments said they’re backing Sunak include former health secretary Matt Hancock and Tom Tugendhat.
At this moment in time, there has been no official announcement from Sunak about his intention to run.
Boris Johnson was lagging behind, though like Sunak he has not formally declared or entered the country yet.
However, Johnson has told allies he is “up for it” and would fly back from his holiday in the Dominican Republic to enter the race.
Help Us Sustain Ad-Free Journalism
Sorry, I Need To Put Out the Begging Bowl
Independent Journalism Needs You
Our unwavering dedication is to provide you with unbiased news, diverse perspectives, and insightful opinions. We're on a mission to ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions, but we can't do it alone. Labour Heartlands is primarily funded by me, Paul Knaggs, and by the generous contributions of readers like you. Your donations keep us going and help us uphold the principles of independent journalism. Join us in our quest for truth, transparency, and accountability – donate today and be a part of our mission!
Like everyone else, we're facing challenges, and we need your help to stay online and continue providing crucial journalism. Every contribution, no matter how small, goes a long way in helping us thrive. By becoming one of our donors, you become a vital part of our mission to uncover the truth and uphold the values of democracy.
While we maintain our independence from political affiliations, we stand united against corruption, injustice, and the erosion of free speech, truth and democracy. We believe in the power of accurate information in a democracy, and we consider facts non-negotiable.
Your support, no matter the amount, can make a significant impact. Together, we can make a difference and continue our journey toward a more informed and just society.
Thank you for supporting Labour Heartlands
