‘We must move on... Rishi is best bet to meet our challenges’

RISHI Sunak’s bid to become the next Prime Minister received a huge boost yesterday when key allies of Boris Johnson gave him their backing.

-  Jonathan Walker

It came as a group of Tory MPs elected for the first time in 2019 declared that only Mr Sunak can save their seats, dismissing suggestions that only Mr Johnson is capable of winning in the so-called red wall areas.

Mr Sunak, who on Friday became the first candidate to receive the required 100 nominations from Tory MPs, last night won the backing of Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

She said: “Rishi Sunak is the man for the job. I have, on occasion, been a member of the Boris Johnson fan club. Even when I resigned from his government, I acknowledged his many strengths.

“He has been an asset to the country during some very difficult times.

“However, I am an even bigger fan of Margaret Thatcher, a formidable politician who did not duck difficult decisions, was extremely prudent and successfully carried out major reforms by winning the argument and taking the public with her.

“Mrs Thatcher won the public’s trust and three elections in a row by making it about us, not about her. We need someone who can do the same. I believe that person is Rishi Sunak.”

The former chancellor also won the backing of ex-Brexit Minister Lord Frost, previously a staunch Johnson ally.

The Conservative peer said: “Boris Johnson will always be a hero for delivering Brexit. But we must move on. It is simply not right to risk repeating the chaos and confusion of the last year.

“The Tory Party must get behind a capable leader who can deliver a Conservative programme. That is Rishi Sunak.”