Conservative MPs begin race to replace Cameron

Known for his unconventional political style, the 52-year- old journalist-turned-Conservative politician had led the Brexit camp in the June 23 referendum, falling out with his mentor and party leader Cameron who aggressively campaigned for Britain to stay in the 28-member EU.

Other candidates emerging in the fray include UK’s longest-serving home secretaries in history, Theresa May, who turns 60 later this year and has reportedly gathered strong support, followed by UK health secretary Jeremy Hunt. May also narrowly beat Johnson as the politician the country thinks would make the best Prime Minister, according to a YouGov poll on Tuesday. May was backed by 19 per cent of the public, compared to 18 per cent who backed Johnson.

A number of other Conservative MPs were also scrambling to build up support for themselves as potential candidates to replace Cameron, who was elected party’s leader in 2005. The 54-year-old former defence secretary, Liam Fox, who finished a close third during the 2005 contest for Tory party leadership, is also expected to throw his hat in the ring for a second time.

Pakistani-origin business minister, Sajid Javid, is said to be considering a bid too as well. However, UK Chancellor George Osborne has ruled out his candidature. “I was full-throttled in arguing for remaining in the EU and because half my party wanted to leave the EU I don’t think I can be the person to bring this party together, at the moment,” he told BBC on Tuesday.