Another blow for Boris Johnson as Suella Braverman backs Rishi Sunak

Suella Braverman is backing Rishi Sunak as Tory leader in a fresh blow to Boris Johnson’s bid to return to the prime ministership.

Braverman backed Liz Truss for leader, but helped end her premiership with her dramatic resignation as Home Secretary earlier this week.

The former cabinet minister said that while she had “supported Boris” from the start, it was time for a new leader.

However, Johnson was supported by Nadhim Zahavi and Foreign Secretary James Cleverley in the ongoing race to replace Truss.

Writing for the Daily Telegraph, Braverman said Johnson’s resignation in July was “a loss to our country” and that he was one of “the most significant prime ministers in history”.

“He was the right leader at the right time,” she said. “I was honored to work in his office.

“But it would be naive to look back on those days with sentimentality.

“I supported Boris from the very beginning. From running alongside him in London in 2012, to rooting for him to be our leader in 2019 and wishing him success in this year’s challenges. His resignation in July was a loss for our country.

“But we are now in a difficult position. Unity, stability and efficiency are needed. Rishi is the only candidate who qualifies and I am proud to support him. »

Braverman’s endorsement is just the latest Sunak has received from leading figures on the right.

former chancellor who today officially announced his intention to run for officealso received support from leading Brexiteer Steve Baker and Home Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

In order to get on the ballot, candidates must receive nominations from 100 deputies.

Sunak is currently storming ahead with 144 MP nominations, Johnson on 56 and Penny Mordaunt on 23.

Johnson is the only candidate who has not officially announced his intention to run.

Earlier today, Johnson’s allies insisted he would run for the top job and that he had the numbers to get on the ballot.

Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg told the BBC’s Laura Kuensberg: “I have spoken to Boris Johnson and it is clear he will stand, he has a lot of support.”

However, there has been some skepticism about whether Johnson actually has the support he needs to take part in the vote, given that the number of MPs who have officially backed him is less than the 100 needed.