Who could replace Liz Truss as UK Prime Minister after she resigns?

LIZ Truss has announced that she will step down as Prime Minister after just 44 days in office.

But who will replace Ms Truss after she is ousted as Conservative Party leader? And who is the favorite for the job?

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The Prime Minister announced the news in a statement to the nation at Downing Street earlier today.

It came after days of pressure, with MPs saying they had no choice but to leave.

A Tory leadership race is now underway and a new PM will be elected next WEEK.

Ms Truss said she spoke to the king earlier today to update him on the news.

She said: “I am stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party.

“I met Sir Graham this morning. We have agreed that there will be a leadership election within the next week.

“I will remain prime minister until a successor is elected.”

Fifteen Conservative backbenchers had publicly called for the Prime Minister to come over this morning and dozens more said they wanted her privately.

Who could replace Liz Truss as UK Prime Minister if she steps down?

Rishi Sunak

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

But members did not back his bid, believing he stabbed Boris Johnson in the back with a dramatic resignation that sparked his downfall.

Odds according to Betfair Exchange – 7/4.

Ben Wallace

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has not proposed himself as a candidate for the summer 2022 contest, but Tory MPs see him as competent and a safe pair of hands.

A former Scots Guards infantryman, he served two tours of duty in Northern Ireland before beginning his political career as a member of the Scottish Parliament, becoming MP for Wyre and Preston North in 2005.

Odds according to Betfair Exchange – 5/1.

Jeremy Hunt

Jeremy Hunt ruled out running for party leader again after losing to Boris Johnson in 2019 and receiving just 18 votes when he ran in 2022.

Many years of experience in the fields of culture, health and the Federal Foreign Office. But remains divisive in the party over Remain’s support for the Brexit vote.

But this afternoon after the Prime Minister’s statement, he said he would not run for the top job.

Odds according to Betfair Exchange – 9/2.

Penny Mordaunt

Penny Mordaunt appeared to be a members favorite during the lead race but she finished third.

But the ex-defense secretary came under fire at the party conference for saying it “makes sense” to increase benefits on inflation rather than wages.

Odds according to Betfair Exchange – 9/1.

Suella Bravermann

Hardline Suella Braverman was a contender in the last leadership election just a few months ago.

The home secretary, who was sacked yesterday, may be making another attempt to unite the party’s right wing, keen to keep up the pressure to do more against immigration.

Odds according to Betfair Exchange – 33/1.

Boris Johnson?

The former Prime Minister was away from Westminster on holiday, earning money for speeches and taking some time off.

Could he return to the top?

Anything is possible in British politics.