Boris Johnson resigned as Conservative leader on Thursday. The race to replace Boris Johnson has begun, days after the prime minister dramatically demolished his authority as Tory leader.
Tom Tugendhat is the latest lawmaker to throw his hat in the ring, having shown interest in Attorney General Suella Braverman and Brexiteer Steve Baker.
Mr Johnson plans to remain on as PM until a new successor is found in the autumn.
However, many allies and opposition politicians want him to leave now – but he has already filled cabinet jobs.
Mr Johnson resigned on Thursday, after two days of desperate attempts to cling to power amid a flurry of resignations.
About 60 Conservative lawmakers have left government roles at both senior and junior levels in recent days, raising doubts about the government’s ability to function.
Speaking to his newly appointed cabinet on Thursday, Mr Johnson promised he would not use his remaining time at No. 10 to make a “major change of direction”.
A timetable for the Tory leadership race is due to be confirmed next week and the new prime minister is expected to remain in office until September.
But unofficially, the competition is already underway. Mr Tugendhat, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee, began his leadership bid, writing in the Daily Telegraph on Friday, promising tax cuts and “new energy and ideas” for the government.
The former soldier, who has been a prominent critic of Johnson, said: “I have previously served in the military, and now in Parliament. Now I look forward to answering the call once again as prime minister.”
Attorney General Braverman has already confirmed she will stand, while former Brexit minister Baker said he was “seriously” considering running after people asked him to do so.
The BBC has been told that Sajid Javid, former health secretary and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps – who rebelled against Mr Johnson – is also considering putting on his hat. Others were tipped to drive, including overseas Includes Secretary Liz Truss,
Chancellor Rishi Sunak and former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
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More announcements are expected in the coming days – but some senior Tories have already said they will not run, including former Leveling Up Secretary Michael Gove, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and former Health Secretary Matt Hancock.