Sunak gets backing to be next UK PM

Ex-finance minister Rishi Sunak, the favourite to become Britain's next prime minister, kicked off his campaign yesterday promising "honesty", in an increasingly testy and divisive battle to succeed Boris Johnson.

An initial 11 candidates put their names forward to become leader of the governing Conservative Party and Britain's next premier after Johnson was forced to say he would step down when support drained from him over a series of scandals.

Only those who get nominations from 20 of their 358 Conservative colleagues in parliament will go forward to the first vote today. The field will be then be quickly whittled down a final two, with Conservative Party members making the final decision.

The winner, and Britain's new prime minister, would be announced on Sept. 5.

With most candidates saying they would cut taxes if they win, Sunak, the current bookmakers' favourite, has sought to portray himself as the serious candidate, promising "grown up" honesty "not fairy tales".

"It is not credible to promise lots more spending and lower taxes," said Sunak,

He has the widest support among colleagues who have publicly expressed their view, including the backing of Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab.

Transport minister Grant Shapps became the first to end his bid, throwing his support behind Sunak.

Among the others to launch their campaigns yesterday were Tom Tugendhat, the chair of the foreign affairs committee, and Kemi Badenoch, a former junior minister who is scooping up some support on the right wing of the party.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was also hoping to challenge those at the top of the leader board.

The main opposition Labour Party was to put forward a motion of no confidence in the government to try to force Johnson out of office straightaway. The vote will be held today and although some Conservatives have voiced concern at Johnson remaining as PM, they are very unlikely to support it.