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Friday, June 24, 2016

Who Will Replace Cameron? Runners And Riders

The ink had barely dried on David Cameron's resignation speech when the race to replace him as Tory leader and PM got under way.

With Mr Cameron potentially not stepping aside until October, there is plenty of time for those with leadership ambitions to garner support.

Here are the runners and riders:

:: Boris Johnson

Popular with the public, the former London mayor has spent years trying to deflect questions about his leadership ambitions - and hasn't always been successful. His decision to bat for Leave was seen by many as a political gamble which, if successful, could see him replace his former Eton chum as Prime Minister. He is now favourite with all the bookies.

:: Theresa May

Seen by many as the main rival to Mr Johnson after a successful stint at the Home Office. Ms May backed Remain - but did so in a less provocative way than many of her senior Tory colleagues and was careful not to alienate either side. Would be a popular choice within the party.

:: George Osborne

Many believe the Chancellor - once viewed as a likely successor to Mr Cameron - irreparably damaged his chances of moving from Number 11 to Number 10 with his doomsday warnings that a Leave vote would result in a "Brexit budget" containing cuts and a tax hikes. You can now get odds of 30-1.

:: Michael Gove

The Justice Secretary was considered by Number 10 to be "toxic" among the electorate after being removed from his education post in 2014 - but his position at the heart of the Leave campaign has put him among those being talked about. Has repeatedly said he has no leadership ambitions.

:: Nicky Morgan

The woman who replaced Mr Gove as Education Secretary is said by Sky sources to be sounding out the level of support she would receive for any leadership bid. From the left of the party, Ms Morgan would continue the Cameron legacy. Opposition to Brexit appears to make her a long shot.

:: Andrea Leadsom

Brexit-supporting Ms Leadsom was tipped as "one to watch" within the party after entering Parliament in 2010. The former City high-flyer was appointed Energy Minister after the general election and her pro-Brexit stance has made her fourth favourite with most bookmakers at 12-1.

:: Other contenders

Priti Patel, Stephen Crabb, Sajid Javid, Ruth Davidson and Philip Hammond all have the potential to throw their hat in the ring.


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