Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt said she is running to replace Liz Truss as Tory leader and prime minister.
Announcing her bid for the Tory leadership, Ms Mordaunt tweeted: “I’ve been encouraged by support from colleagues who want a fresh start, a united party and leadership in the national interest.
“I’m running to be the leader of the Conservative Party and your Prime Minister – to unite our country, deliver our pledges and win the next GE.”
Penny Mordaunt
Jacob King
Ms Mordaunt said she was "encouraged by support from colleagues who want a fresh start"
Stefan Rousseau
Ms Mordaunt has reportedly already held talks with Jeremy Hunt and assured him he can stay on as Chancellor if she becomes prime minister.
She also assured Mr Hunt she would deliver the medium-term fiscal plan as proposed on October 31, according to a source close to the Commons Leader.
Former cabinet minister Andrea Leadsom has backed Ms Mordaunt to be the new Tory leader, citing her “compassion” and “determination”.
Quoting a post from Ms Mordaunt announcing her bid, Ms Leadsom tweeted: “Delighted by this!
“Penny has the experience, the compassion and the determination to lead our country to a bright future!”
She added the hashtag #PM4PM.
Ms Mordaunt is among the bookies favourites to become the next PM, alongside Rishi Sunak and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Under the rules set out by Sir Graham Brady – the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee – and party chairman Sir Jake Berry, nominations will close at 2pm on Monday.
The first ballot of MPs will then be held between 3.30pm and 5.30pm on Monday – if there are three candidates with the required number of nominations (100), the loser will be eliminated.
Once there are two candidates remaining, an indicative vote will be held so that the party membership know which is the preferred option among MPs.
Members will be able to take part in an online vote to choose their next leader and the country’s prime minister with the contest due to conclude by October 28.
