Who could replace Liz Truss as UK Prime Minister?

Liz Truss announced her resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on October 20, 2022, after 44 days in office, to take effect once her successor is elected.

But who will take over as Conservative Party leader now that Ms Truss has stepped down? And who is the frontrunner for the job?

Rishi Sunak

In the early stages of the leadership race, ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak received the most support from Tory MPs for his handling of the economy, particularly during the pandemic.

Ben Wallace

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace did not run in the summer 2022 election, but Conservative MPs regard him as competent and a safe pair of hands.

Penny Mordaunt

Before supporting Ms Truss’s bid, the Commons leader finished third in this summer’s Tory leadership race.

Boris Johnson

Despite promising his “most fervent support” to his successor, Ms Truss, in his farewell address as PM, Mr Johnson fueled speculation about a future return to frontline politics.

Some Conservative MPs are openly suggesting that the party ask Mr Johnson to return to Downing Street, even though he was ousted only three months ago.

Jeremy Hunt

The new chancellor, who took over for the fired Kwasi Kwarteng, is widely regarded as the most powerful figure in government.

Suella Braverman

Ms Braverman was the first to declare her candidacy for Conservative Party leader in the summer, hailed as a figurehead of the party’s right for her hardline stance on Brexit and condemnation of “woke nonsense.”