With Boris’ departure from No 10 expected in the oncoming weeks, who’s in place to replace him in politics’ highest role?
The past few weeks have seen one of the largest political scandals in modern times, sending the Commons into turmoil. With every leaked photo or email, Johnson’s claim to power grows increasingly fragile. Will the Prime Minister crack under pressure? And which shard of the cabinet is likely to replace Boris as Britain’s next Prime Minister?
Dominic Raab:
While Dominic Raab still clings to the role of Deputy Prime Minister, he stands a near-impossible climb if he wants one of the most sought after roles in Parliament.
Until recently, Dominic Raab played a big role in Johnson’s Cabinet, acting as Foreign Secretary and considered by many a ‘Big Beast’ for the conservative party. However, Raab’s decision to stay on holiday in Crete with his family while the Taliban invaded Kabul in 2021 led to his removal from his position as Foreign Secretary. Despite claiming he was “on the Job” and his role helped get over 9,000 people out of Kabul, many argue that his decision to remain in Greece risked the lives of many Afghans now living under Taliban rule. Moreover, during Kabul’s invasion, Raab was ‘unavailable’ to take a phone call from his Afghan Foreign Minister counterpart.
“as a result of the actions, the government took… we got over 9,000 people out from that point in time, so I think that demonstrates that we were on the job across government and including myself”
-Dominic Raab
Following, on September 15th Dominic Raab was removed from his role as Foreign Secretary, demoted instead to Justice Secretary and by consequence gaining the title of Deputy Prime Minister. Unless Boris Johnson becomes seriously ill, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see Prime Minister Raab in the event of Boris Johnson’s resignation or a vote of no confidence.
Rishi Sunak:
Serving as the UK’s Chancellor since 2020, Rishi Sunak is a strong contender to replace Prime Minister Johnson.
Seen by many as the obvious choice to replace Boris and now a rarity among Conservative MP’s, Rishi Sunak has avoided mass controversy since the start of the pandemic. His furlough scheme has been relatively successful and he was even seen nodding during PMQ’s while the leader of the SNP in the Commons Ian Blackford began his tirade on the Prime Minister’s “desperate cling onto power” following first evidence of ‘party gate’.
“It is clear this Prime Minister intends to desperately cling onto power, and I have nothing left to say to a man whose answers we simply can’t trust”
-Ian Blackford
Sunak is the Commons new rising star, jumping from being elected as MP in 2015 for Richmond, North Yorkshire to UK’s chancellor in under 5 years, Rishi is rapidly rising the ranks. However, his lack of experience and closely-knit political ties to Johnson could cost him, depending on how Boris leaves office in the oncoming weeks.
Liz Truss:
From Trade Secretary to Foreign Secretary and now leading post-Brexit talks. Truss is taking on many of parliaments hardest roles. But has she proven herself ready for the hardest role of all?
Often topping conservative MP popularity polls, Truss remains a key name in holding together the seemingly endless dismantling of Johnson’s government. Although, she hasn’t managed to unite the nation and still faces criticism from the UK’s left-voting population. LBC radio host, James O’Brien called Liz Truss winning the popularity poll “like winning a beauty contest in the dark”.
Joining the conservative party in 1996 and standing as MP for South West Norfolk for the past 11 years, Truss has the experience in government that Sunak lacks. Compared to Rishi’s rising star popularity emerging under Johnston’s ministration, Truss has stood in key roles under 3 different Prime Ministers. (Secretary of State for Childcare and Education for David Cameron, Secretary of State for Justice under Theresa May’s ministration and currently Secretary of State for Foreign affairs for Prime Minister Johnson.)
“The ‘satisfaction survey’ with Liz Truss at the top is of Conservative members. It’s like winning a beauty contest in the dark.”
-James O’Brien
So to conclude, with Boris entering the new year with a fizzle instead of a bang, who stands the best chance at taking the PM’s role in 2022? Well with many Tory’s out of the running due to controversies over the pandemic both Sunak and Truss are in ‘poll’ positions to lead the United Kingdom. However, while seeming to show great potential, Sunak’s connection to Johnson’s ministration and Boris himself may cost him the Prime Minister role to the more experienced Liz Truss.
However, with the chaotic ever-changing face of British politics in 2022, the next Prime Minister is still a big question with an unclear answer. As more and more information trickles out of the commons in relation to “partygate” we will just have to wait a little longer to find the next residence of No.10 Downing Street.