After Boris Johnson announced he would be standing down as Conservative leader, all eyes were on his colleagues to see who would throw their names in the hat to replace him. There were initially 11 contenders who wanted to be the next Conservative leader, and therefore Prime Minister, but the number was whittled down to eight when the nomination period ended. The eight were:
- Rishi Sunak
- Penny Mordaunt
- Tom Tugendhat
- Liz Truss
- Suella Braverman
- Jeremy Hunt
- Kemi Badenoch
- Nadhim Zahawi
You can see those who have made public their leadership hopes here.
Wales has 13 Conservative MPs, not all of whom have come out publicly for who they will support but the below list will be updated as, and if, they do.
So far, it appears Rishi Sunak has the most support. However with just four MPs backing him publicly to date, there is a lot to be decided as the number of candidates is whittled down. You can see the full timetable for the contest here.
Other leadership candidates who have support include Penny Mordaunt, Sajid Javid and Suella Braverman, who is supported by two Welsh MPs. Sajid Javid withdrew from the contest before the nominations had to be submitted.
Sarah Atherton - Wrexham MP
The Wrexham MP is backing Penny Mordaunt. Her endorsement reads: "A politician with integrity, a team players, who holds core conservative values with a plan to tackle what impacts most - the cost of living. Her experience in trade, the economy and as Secretary of State for defence will galvanise our party and unite us in a common aim - to win the next General Election".
Simon Baynes - MP for Clwyd South
He hasn't come out for any confirmed candidate but his tweets show he wanted to back Priti Patel if she stood. He's shared tweets from colleagues urging her stand. He also tweeted: "Our next PM must reflect our shared Conservative values and show a strong track record in government. I think @pritipatel is the best person to do that. From recruiting more police to ending free movement, she understands people’s concerns. That’s why I am urging her to stand." There is no word yet who else he will back after Ms Patel did not enter the contest.
Alun Cairns - MP for Vale of Glamorgan
Mr Cairns has also backed former chancellor Rishi Sunak. His endorsement is: "Rishi recognises the importance of the Union and was the Chancellor that replaced EU Aid with a UK Shared Prosperity Fund that serves all parts of the country, securing UK priorities in all four nations."
Stephen Crabb - Preseli Pembrokeshire MP
Mr Crabb has endorsed Rishi Sunak, tweeting: "I will be voting for @RishiSunak in the Conservative leadership ballot today. He is honest about the economic challenges we face, and has a clear plan to address the cost of living while increasing employment and opportunity."
Virginia Crosbie - Ynys Mon MP
She quit as a PPS to the Wales Office and then posted on her Facebook page that "I will return to the Welsh Office in my unpaid role as a Parliamentary Private Secretary if asked. I do this because I wish to continue to serve Wales and the UK." She has backed Sajid Javid. "I admire Sajid's integrity. He is guided by a strong moral compass - something that our Party needs at its helm so we can unite and work together in the nation's interest. He will hit the ground running from day one given his wealth of experience". Mr Javid withdrew from the race after not securing enough nominations. Ms Crosbie is yet to redeclare.
James Davies - Vale of Clwyd MP
Dr Davies quit his role as a PPS in the health department over Boris Johnson, and has now declared he will back Grant Shapps. Mr Shapps' campaign tweeted a pic of Dr Davies with a quote from him saying: "Grant is a proven campaigner, like me, he won his seat from Labour and knows what it takes to win a general election. That's why I'm backing him to be our next leader and Prime Minister". Mr Shapps however withdrew from the race in favour of Rishi Sunak. Dr Davies then backed Penny Mordaunt. "I am backing Penny Mordaunt for the leader of the Conservative Party. She has demonstrated her integrity and competence and is ambitious for Britain and its future. Penny will make a great Prime Minister".
David TC Davies - MP for Monmouth
Mr Davies does not plan on making a public declaration, he told us.
Simon Hart - MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire
Simon Hart, who quit as Welsh secretary under Boris Johnson, has given his backing to his former cabinet colleague Rishi Sunak. Tweeting his support with the hashtag #Ready4Rishi, he said: "Only Rishi has the experience, values and vision to be our next Prime Minister. As a former Cabinet colleague I know that he will work night and day to help the whole country through the challenges we face and on to a brighter future".
David Jones - Clwyd West MP
Mr Jones has backed Suella Braverman. "Very pleased to be supporting Suella Braverman as candidate for leadership of the Conservative party. Challenging times call for a leader who is equal to the challenge. Suella is that person," he tweeted. He is also running her campaign.
Fay Jones - Brecon and Radnorshire MP
Ms Jones has come out to back Rishi Sunak, saying in a comment piece with two female colleagues in The Times that he is the person who can "restore trust". She says he is the candidate who will back women and "not erase us". "The pool of talent from which to choose is varied and a robust contest is healthy but to us it's clear there can be only one person to unite the party and our country...for us, that person is Rishi Sunak.
Robin Millar - Aberconwy MP
The Aberconwy MP is backing Suella Braverman, the Attorney General who came out to launch her leadership bid before Boris Johnson had even quit. His tweet simply read: "I am supporting #Suellaforleader".
Jamie Wallis - Bridgend MP
He has not said anything publicly yet.
Craig Williams - Montgomeryshire MP
Craig Williams quit his job as a PPS in the Treasury over Boris Johnson's conduct, but given he worked there under Rishi Sunak it's probably no surprise he has offered the former chancellor his backing.
He tweeted: "I know Rishi can restore trust in our politics, protect our Union, and get the economy back on its feet. Having worked with him, I've seen first hand his epic work ethic and natural connection to the people. He has a record of action and I'm proud to support him".
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