If Boris Johnson resigns, who could be the next PM of UK?

The UK Prime Minister (PM), Boris Johnson, has been facing mounting pressure from ministers and opposition leaders to step down following revelations of gatherings held at Downing Street while the UK was under strict covid-19 related restrictions.

Senior civil servant, Sue Gray, is set to announce the results of an inquiry regarding the Downing Street parties later this week. PM Johnson had reportedly attended a Downing Street Garden party during the lockdown period.

Boris Johnson’s future as the PM thus rests on the results of this inquiry, with several Conservative party ministers reportedly waiting to see the report before deciding if the PM should step down.

Speculations are rife over who may take over his role, should Boris Johnson resign or be ousted as the PM.

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Here is a list of the possible candidates who might be a replacement for the current PM Boris Johnson, for such an eventuality:

1. Rishi Sunak, 41, Chancellor of the Exchequer

Rishi Sunak is currently the favourite amongst bookies to be the next PM.

Bookmaker Ladbrokes considers Rishi Sunak the favourite to be the next Conservative party leader, having odds of 11/8. At present, whoever ends up as the party’s leaders will end up as the PM due to the party holding majority seats in Parliament.

While website Oddschecker, said Sunak’s odds of being the next PM was at 7/4.

The finance minister has been hailed for economic support packages during the pandemic, such as a jobs retention programme but has seen a dip in his popularity amongst his fellow Tory members.

2. Liz Truss, 46, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom

Liz Truss is the second favourite amongst bookies. Ladbrokes has odds of 11/2, while Oddschecker said Truss’ odds narrowed from 10/1 to 5/1

Truss is popular amongst the Conservatives’ grassroots and frequently tops Conservative Home. She was the international secretary under the first 2 years of Boris Johnson’s administration.

3. Jeremy Hunt, 55, Former health secretary

Jeremy Hunt is the next favourite, after Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. Ladbrokes has odds of 7/1 for the former health secretary.

Hunt had previously lost out to Boris Johnson in 2019 but is still considered as a potential contender should there be a vacancy.

Some other potential candidates: As per Ladbrokes, Michael Gove and Sajid Javid both have odds of 16/1, while Tom Tugendhat and Penny Mordaunt have odds of 12/1 and 14/1, respectively.

Bets on when Johnson may be replaced as PM: Bookmakers have also shared some of their odds for when they expect the PM can be replaced, with 2022 standing at 1/4, 2023 at 13/2 and 2024 or beyond at 5/1.