The Latest Breaking News from Penny Mordaunt

Leader of the House of Commons is the first to declare

PENNY Mordaunt has confirmed she will join the contest to become the next prime minister.

Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt said she is running to replace Liz Truss as Tory leader and prime minister.

Leader of House of Commons and former defence secretary announces candidacy

The Tory has become the first to declare her bid for the party leadership and to become the next Prime Minister, with Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson also expected to throw their hats into the ring

The race to be Britain’s next prime minister will be mostly conducted behind closed doors, as contenders embark on a frantic weekend of lobbying Conservative lawmakers to get onto Monday’s party ballot.

Following the resignation of Liz Truss as Britain's fourth prime minister in a little over six years, her Conservative Party — in power since 2010 — is racing to select a replacement.

The Defence Secretary has also ruled himself out of the race for the top job

A number of names are leading the pack

The Defence Secretary said it is important to think about ‘who could win the next election’ for the Conservatives.

The departure of British Prime Minister Liz Truss, after six chaotic weeks marked by policy U-turns and growing discontent within her own Conservative Party, spells more uncertainty for the United Kingdom, financial markets and foreign policy. As the contest to succeed Britain's shortest-serving premier begins, the country is seeking a…