Sunak declares candidacy with focus on ‘integrity’
RISHI Sunak has formally entered the Tory leadership contest, promising he would lead with “integrity, professionalism and accountability” in an apparent attempt to contrast himself with his predecessors as his backers warned a Boris Johnson comeback would be a “guaranteed disaster”.
Mr Johnson’s supporters have downplayed the fact he is lagging behind his former chancellor in public support from MPS, saying he is “clearly” running, although he has not officially declared this.
However, sources close to fellow leadership hopeful Penny Mordaunt disclosed that the former prime minister has spoken to her and asked her to stand aside and to join his campaign.
The PA news agency understands that she refused, telling him that most of her support would switch to Mr Sunak if she did.
The disclosure is likely to heighten suspicions at Westminster that Mr Johnson is struggling to attract the level of support from fellow Tory MPS he hopes for.
Mr Sunak, becoming the second candidate to enter the race after Ms Mordaunt, said he wants to “fix our economy, unite our party and deliver for our country” at a time of “profound economic crisis”.
He said in a statement: “I served as your chancellor, helping to steer our economy through the toughest of times. The challenges we face now are even greater. But the opportunities, if we make the right choice, are phenomenal.
“I have the track record of delivery, a clear plan to fix the biggest problems we face and I will deliver on the promise of the 2019 manifesto.
“There will be integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level of the government I lead and I will work day in and day out to get the job done.”
Mr Sunak on Sunday gained several more valuable backers in new Home Secretary Grant Shapps, Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith and two influential figures on the Tory right – Suella Braverman and Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker.
Tory big beast Mr Shapps, who also threw his weight behind Mr Sunak in the last leadership contest against Liz Truss, tweeted that the ex-chancellor would “provide stability and proven economic competence in these challenging times”.