Rishi Sunak to stand for Conservative party leader

Rishi Sunak described himself as a “serious candidate for serious times” as he kickstarted his campaign to become the UK’s next prime minister, with as many as 15 Conservative MPs expected to run for the party’s leadership.

The former chancellor launched his bid on Friday after telling colleagues he has 80 to 100 MPs behind him. Some began declaring their support publicly, including Mark Harper, the former chief whip, and Mark Spencer, the leader of the House of Commons.

Sunak’s announcement came in a slickly edited three-minute video message posted on Twitterunder the slogan “Ready for Rishi”. “I’m standing to be the next leader of the Conservative party and your prime minister,” he said. “Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country.”