Boris Johnson resigns: Zahawi, Shapps join the Tory leadership race

Chancellor Nadhim Zhawi, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Boris Johnson have launched bids to succeed them as leader of the Conservative Party and PM.

Boris Johnson resigns: Zahawi, Shapps join the Tory leadership race

Chancellor Nadhim Zhawi, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Boris Johnson have launched bids to succeed them as leader of the Conservative Party and PM.

According to Mr Shapps, he would not rule out general elections if he became prime minister.

Zahawi stated that he would lower taxes and increase defense spending. He also plans to continue the reforms that he started as education secretary.

An earlier statement by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stated that he wouldn't run.

In the race to succeed Mr Johnson, the cabinet ministers will be joined by former Chancellor Rishi, Attorney General SuellaBraverman, Kemi Badenoch, Kemi Bala, and Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

According to Sunday's Mail, Liz Truss's allies have claimed that Liz Truss would also be putting her cap in the ring for the replacement of the prime minister. It would be on the ticket of reverseing Mr Sunak’s health tax.

After Rishi Sunak's resignation, Zahawi was elected chancellor. He declared that he would "steady the ship" and stabilize the economy.

He stated, "My goal is simple: To provide the opportunities that were afforded my generation to all Britons to all Britons to whatever their origins are.

"We are now a free country because of Brexit. Let's not talk about the possibilities that lie ahead, let's actually take them.

Former education secretary said that he wanted to let children be children and protect them from harmful and inappropriate nonsense that is being forced upon them by radical activists.

Born in Iraq, Zahawi and his family fled when Saddam Hussein became the ruler.

After having founded a company selling Teletubbies products and a polling company YouGov, he was elected MP for Stratford-on-Avon.

24 hours after being promoted to the Treasury post, Mr Zahawi was joined by a group ministers who on Thursday told Mr Johnson to leave.

In the meantime, Mr Shapps promised to create an emergency budget and instruct his chancellor cut personal tax for those who are most vulnerable. He also pledged state support for businesses that consume high amounts of energy.

He was among the top cabinet ministers that did not resign in the chaos of Westminster, which ultimately led to Mr Johnson's resignation.

He appeared to be criticizing colleagues who did. He told the paper that he hadn't spent the past few turbulent years planning or briefing against either the prime minister or an organisation running a leadership campaign.

According to him, "I tell you the truth: For all his flaws – and who isn't flawed? Boris Johnson is a friend of mine. I have never doubted his love for this country.

He was a minister under Boris Johnson and David Cameron. In 2012, he was elected co-chairman for the Conservative Party. He remained in that position for three years.

Former Chancellor Rishi, who announced his candidacy on Friday, stating that "someone must grasp this moment and make right decisions", is the most prominent candidate to replace Mr Johnson.

The mass walkout by ministers on Tuesday led to Mr Sunak's resignation as cabinet member. This forced the PM into a position of Tory leader.

Although many Tory MPs support his campaign, a No10 source said there was "real disappointment” with Mr Sunak's performance in Downing Street. He claimed that the prime minister had "backed him up to the hilt" when he appointed him chancellor.

Johnson stated that he will remain in Downing Street until a successor has been chosen.

The race is picking up speed.

There are both familiar faces and relative unknowns among the confirmed candidates for the Conservative leadership.

People with lower profile should try to get through in contests where experience is important.

Those who have made such statements are familiar with the themes of cutting taxes and shrinking government.

However, personality is just as important as policy. Some candidates emphasize their personal stories of success.

The hopefuls must show their uniqueness and make a pitch for support from as many members of the party and MPs as possible.

Kemi Badenoch, a former minister for equalities, confirmed her candidacy to the Times. She stated that she wants a limited government and "tell the truth".

In the Daily Express, Ms. Braverman stated that she would lead by bringing in large and rapid tax cuts.

After his announcement, Mr Tugendhat, MP for the Kent seat, Tonbridge and Malling, told BBC South East that he had spent 10, 15, years serving the country in uniform and six, seven years currently serving the community in Parliament. He said: "I have spent 10-15 years serving the country in uniform and I would like to serve again because this country matters to me."

Mr Wallace decided not to enter the contest despite his top ranking in leadership surveys by Conservative Home, which is popular among grassroots Tories and was also the favourite of bookmakers.

It will be interesting to see which candidates he endorses. This is likely to give them a huge boost in their campaign.