Explained: The 11 politicians in the fray to replace UK’s Boris Johnson and their views on India

The race to replace Boris Johnson as United Kingdom’s prime minister and the leader of the ruling Conservative Party is hotting up. Some 11 Tory leaders have thrown their hats in the ring.

Indian-origin Rishi Sunak was among the first few leaders to launch their bid to succeed Johnson. The prime mister was forced to quit after dozens of ministers and officials stepped down last week over his handling of a series of scandals, one involving the sexual misconduct of a party leader and the other over the breach of lockdown rules, now infamously called ‘partygate’.

Also read: The Indian connection: How Rishi Sunak is a top contender for the post of British prime minister

Johnson will be the caretaker PM until the party has chosen a new leader. We take a look at those in the fray and what are their chances.

Rishi Sunak, former finance minister

Sunak, the former finance minister announced his bid on Friday, a day after Johnson quit.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “I’m standing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and your Prime Minister. Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country.”

I’m standing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and your Prime Minister.

Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country. #Ready4Rishi

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