Indian-origin Rishi Sunak is now the frontrunner in the Conservative Party's race to replace Liz Truss as prime minister as he garnered public support of over 100 Tory lawmakers while former prime minister Boris Johnson said that he is quitting the race.
Read more: Boris Johnson rules himself out in UK PM race: Read full statement
Boris Johnson asserted that he had the backing of 102 MPs but for him “this is simply not the right time” to run, his statement read.
With this, the Tory party leadership contest is set between Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt. Highly-favoured to win, Rishi Sunak has the public backing of 147 MPs so far- well ahead of the 100 nominations required to qualify.
Read more: UK PM candidate Penny Mordaunt says 'in it to win it', no Boris Johnson deal
Ex-cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt who was the first to announce herself as an official candidate and said that she is "in it to win it" has only 24 MPs supporting her.
{{/usCountry}}Ex-cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt who was the first to announce herself as an official candidate and said that she is "in it to win it" has only 24 MPs supporting her.
{{/usCountry}}The Conservative party had ordered a contest which aims to install a new prime minister at 10 Downing Street by Monday.
Read more: Watch: 'Rishi Sunak not British' says 'racist' caller on UK show. Host responds
Rishi Sunak, 42, was runner-up in the leadership contest with Liz Truss who replaced scandal-hit Boris Johnson.