Rishi Sunak ‘first Tory leadership contender to get support of 100 MPs’

The former chancellor is yet to confirm his candidacy in the Tory leadership race

Rishi Sunak has become the first Tory leadership contender to reach the 100-nomination threshold to make it to the next stage of the race, a campaign source has said.

Though he has not formally declared his intention to run, the former chancellor’s supporters said on Friday night he had received nominations from 100 Tory MPs way ahead of Monday’s deadline.

Former health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed his support for Mr Sunak on Friday evening.

He tweeted: “I have worked incredibly closely with Boris, Rishi & Penny in Government. I admire all three.

“With the challenges we face today: economic crisis & the need to restore authoritative leadership, Rishi Sunak is the best person to lead our country. I’m voting Rishi & hope you do too.”

Boris Johnson, who is also yet to officially throw his hat in the ring, is lagging behind with nominations but has told allies he is “up for it” and boarded a flight back from his Caribbean holiday to enter the race.

So far, he has support from ministers including Jacob Rees-Mogg, Simon Clarke and Alok Sharma.

But former Tory leader Lord William Hague warned Mr Johnson’s return would lead to a “death spiral” for the Conservative Party.

“And I think it’s possibly the worst idea I’ve heard of in the 46 years I’ve been a member of the Conservative Party,” he told Times Radio.

Ms Mordaunt came third in the last leadership election (REUTERS)

Penny Mordaunt became the first to confirm her candidacy on Friday, promising a “fresh start” for the Tory party. Around 25 MPs have voiced their support for the Commons Leader.

The Leader of the House – who finished third in the last leadership election – said she had been encouraged by the support she had received from fellow Conservative MPs.

“I’ve been encouraged by support from colleagues who want a fresh start, a united party and leadership in the national interest,” she said in a statement posted on social media.

“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 (general election).”

Supporters of Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak say they could stand together (UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Imag)

Meanwhile, Tory MP Nigel Mills said it was a “mistake” for him not to back Mr Sunak during the summer’s leadership contest.

Mr Mills tweeted: “A few weeks ago I changed my mind and didn’t back Rishi Sunak. I’m not making the same mistake again, he is clearly the prime minister we need to restore stability and tackle the many serious challenges facing the country.”

There is speculation among supporters of both Mr Sunak and Mr Johnson that the pair could strike a deal to stand together, but this would need them both to bury a lot of rancour.

Candidates have until 2pm on Monday to secure the 100 nominations, limiting the ballot to a maximum of three candidates.

Tory MPs will vote on Monday, and two candidates will be put forward to the Tory membership unless one pulls out, with a result being announced on Friday.