Boris Johnson is expected to stand in the Tory leadership after only leaving Downing Street six weeks ago as he believed this is a matter of “national interest,” a source told The Times.
Sir Graham Brady said on Thursday afternoon that a leadership election will now take place and it is expected that within a week there will be a new Tory Prime Minister.
Following Liz Truss’ resignation she said that she will “remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen” following discussions with the 1922 Committee.
Steven Swinford who is the political editor at The Times wrote on Thursday, “I’m told that Boris Johnson is expected to stand in the Tory leadership contest.
“He’s taking soundings but is said to believe it is a matter of national interest.”
The political editor at The Daily Telegraph, Ben Riley-Smith wrote, “BREAKING: Boris Johnson is expected to stand for the Tory leadership, Telegraph understands.”
James Duddridge, who is Johnson’s former parliamentary private secretary, said it is time for his boss to “come back” to work.
I hope you enjoyed your holiday boss. Time to come back. Few issues at the office that need addressing. #bringbackboris
— James Duddridge MP (@JamesDuddridge) October 20, 2022
A veteran Tory MP Sir Robert Syms, said, “Boris running is a fantasy the number for nominations will be lifted to limit runners and there will be massive pressure on the second candidate in the MPs’ ballot to drop out.”
It comes amid reports from The Times and The Telegraph that Mr Johnson is considering standing to return to Downing Street.
Nile Gardiner, a foreign policy specialist and was the adviser to Margaret Thatcher, tweeted, “The future of the Conservative Party and Brexit itself is in peril with the unfolding political coup and crisis in Westminster.
“It was a huge mistake ousting @BorisJohnson in the first place.
“Boris’s return as PM may be the only way to sort out this monumental mess.”
The Liberal Democrats are calling for Johnson to be blocked from standing as leader of the Conservative Party and the future “of our country should be in the hands of voters.”
Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem’s deputy leader, said, “The fact that Conservative MPs are even considering putting Boris Johnson back in Number 10 shows how out of touch they really are. They think there’s one rule for them and another for everyone else.
“Boris Johnson was forced to resign in disgrace after countless lies, scandals and failures. He shattered public trust in the government and plunged the UK into a political crisis. He must never be allowed near Downing Street again.
“The future of our country should be in the hands of voters, not the Conservative MPs who have caused all this chaos.”
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