Next Tory leader: Boris Johnson leads in race for Conservative leadership after Theresa May resigns

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Runners and riders in the race to succeed Theresa May have been setting out their stalls in public for weeks.

More than 15 Conservatives are trying to launch leadership campaigns in what could be the most crowded leadership contest yet seen.

Some will retire on a promise of promotions - but here are some of the most serious contenders for the crown:

Former Foreign Secretary and London mayor Mr Johnson, 54, is considered by most as the favourite to win the leadership race.

He has already confirmed he will stand, telling a business event “of course I’m going to go for it”.

Sajid Javid

The Home Secretary, 49, is a bus driver’s son who went to a comprehensive school. Tough policies including his opposition to the return of Shamima Begum, the former Bethnal Green schoolgirl who joined Islamic State, have boosted his position among some colleagues.

Sajid Javid is a serious contender for the Tory leadership
EPA

Amber Rudd

The Work and Pensions Secretary, 55, has refused to rule out running and said she is “keeping the door slightly ajar” to the possibility.

Ms Rudd is one of the most senior Remain-supporting Tories, and has regained standing in the Government since resigning in April 2018 over the Windrush scandal.

Matt Hancock

The Health Secretary, 40, is seen as a dark horse who who has said he has a “strong view about the sort of leader we need”.

A leader should put the Tories “four-square in the centre ground”, Mr Hancock believes.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is seen as a dark horse who who has said he has a “strong view about the sort of leader we need” 
AFP/Getty Images

Esther McVey

The former Work and Pensions Secretary, 51, is aiming her appeal at “blue collar Conservatives” and Brexiteers, saying the next leader should be someone who “believes in Brexit”.

Rory Stewart

The International Development Secretary, 46, began his leadership bid in an interview with The Spectator last month.

“If you want someone who really enjoys doing stuff and loves government and is really proud of the country and feel that’s their thing, I’m really enthusiastic,” he said.

Runners and riders in race for Tory leadership

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Andrea Leadsom

Ms Leadsom, 56, who quit the government this week, has previously revealed that she was “seriously considering” running for the Conservative leadership.

She described the UK’s continued membership of the EU as “disgusting” and claimed that a Eurosceptic prime minister would have delivered Brexit already.

Jeremy Hunt

The Foreign Secretary, 52, identifies as a one-nation conservative, campaigned for Remain in the 2016 referendum and would be a moderate candidate on Brexit in the leadership election.

Liz Truss

Ms Truss, 43, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, is among a few Tory MPs to have used social media to hint at a possible leadership bid.

She has said the Conservative party needs to “reinvent” itself.

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