LONDON (HRNW) — Several British lawmakers, including scandal-tarnished former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, jockeyed for support Friday to become the country’s next leader following the implosion of Liz Truss’ historically short-lived government.
The governing Conservative Party has ordered a lightning-fast race that aims to have a new prime minister in place within a week. The leadership uncertainty comes at a time of lethargic economic growth and as millions struggle with the rising cost of groceries, fuel and other basics and higher mortgage rates. A growing wave of strikes by train and postal workers, lawyers and more has revealed mounting discontent as a recession looms.
Johnson has not even declared he is running, but bookmakers have made him one of the favorites to win the contest — reflecting the scale of division and disarray in the party as it picks its third prime minister of the year. It would be an astonishing comeback for a polarizing figure forced out just over three months ago amid a welter of ethics scandals.
Truss quit on Thursday after a turbulent 45 days, conceding that she could not deliver on her tax-cutting economic package, which she had to abandon after it caused turmoil in financial markets.