London, July 9 (BNA): A British government minister likely to be the front-runner in the leadership race for the Conservative Party has ruled himself out of the competition on Saturday, according to the Associated Press.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said after “careful consideration” and discussion with colleagues and his family, he would not run to replace Boris Johnson as the country’s Conservative leader and next prime minister.
Wallace was seen by some as the preferred choice among Conservative Party members in what is shaping up to be a widely open leadership race after Johnson’s resignation was announced on Thursday.
Johnson resigned as party leader after months of insisting he stay in office despite mounting moral scandals. He said he would remain in the post of prime minister until the party chooses his successor.
Newly appointed Treasury chief Nazim al-Zahawi launched his campaign to become the leader of the Conservative Party on Saturday, pledging to cut taxes and boost defense spending.
Zahawi’s announcement came a day after former chancellor Rishi Sunak, the most famous leadership contender and a bookmaker’s favorite to win, launched his bid. Sunak resigned on Tuesday, at the start of a mass exodus of government officials that toppled Johnson.
Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps, Attorney General Suila Braverman, Representative Tom Tugendhat and former Equality Minister Kimi Badenouche also threw their hats in the ring, with more announcements expected over the coming days.
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