New policies and media appearances alone cannot be relied upon to prop up campaigns through nearly a month of fighting for votes, so candidates are looking to use the support of influential party figures to help their cause. Although some MPs showed their hand during the knockout stages of the parliamentary contest, many kept their powder dry and announced who they were supporting after it was narrowed down to the final two. Here’s what the supporters of the two candidates to replace Boris Johnson say about them.
Liz Truss
Ben Wallace, Defense Secretary: “I have sat with her in cabinet, bilateral meetings and international summits. She stands her ground. Most of all, he is straightforward and means what he says…Truss wins not because she is a clever salesperson but because she is genuine.” Penny Mordaunt, the trade secretary who narrowly lost out to Truss in the last two: “Watching her over the last few weeks has made me want to help her, help her win, build the team we need to win country and give ourselves as a party and as a nation the pride and confidence we need to reach our full potential.” Kwasi Kwarteng, business secretary: “We’re at a 70-year high in terms of taxation, that’s not sustainable, and that’s something that Boris Johnson has been looking at. That’s something Liz will provide.” Nadhim Zahawi, chancellor: “We are in a national economic emergency and we need more than words. We need tradition and Liz will be the prime minister of tradition.” Sajid Javid, former health secretary and former chancellor: “Tax cuts now are essential. There are no risk-free options in government. However, in my view, not cutting taxes carries an even greater risk.” Tom Tugendhat, MP and chairman of the foreign affairs select committee who came fifth in the leadership race: “He showed what I look for in a leader. This is not an exam, it is a test of values and approaches that can change our country, provide for our people and protect us from threats abroad.” Simon Clarke, chief secretary to the Treasury: “This is an incredibly important job and the readiness of people for this job on day one is critical, that’s one of the reasons I’m supporting the Secretary of State – someone who has been tested in higher office.” Nadine Dorries, culture secretary: “The only candidate who can begin to take over from Boris, who embodies empathy, kindness, integrity and loyalty – values essential to someone who wants to lead a great nation – it’s Liz Truss.’ Suella Braverman, attorney general: “In policy terms, I think he is a strong custodian of the Brexit promises … and, above all, he will take a firm line on identity politics.” James Cleverly, the education secretary: “I have seen how he has taken long positions on China, making the most of the fact that we have left the EU.” Jacob Rees-Mogg, minister for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency: “She is as good a Brexiteer as I am. He has consistently in cabinet opposed Rishi Sunak’s tax increases and has the character to be a leader.” Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST
Rishi Sunak
Dominic Raab, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary: “Rishi’s values are true Conservative values – patriotism, family, service, ambition and hard work. His story is a conservative story. He wants to become Prime Minister so that he can implement these values.” William Hague, former leader of the Tory party: “The best hope is a very disciplined, sensible person, who always does his best to understand. Such a person is a very rare find in British politics.’ George Eustice, environment secretary: “He has an intuitive awareness of political risk and can think many moves ahead, but he remains resolute and does not allow himself to be led back down the path of least resistance.” Oliver Dowden, former chairman of the Conservative party: “The question for the Conservatives is who is best to beat us at the next general election. Poll after poll it’s clear. It’s Rishi Sunak.” Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Tory Mayor: “During his time in government Rishi has shown unwavering support for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. As chancellor he played a huge role in the transformation of our region. Jeremy Hunt, former foreign secretary: “Rishi is one of the most decent, upright people of the highest standards of integrity I have ever met in British politics.” Norman Lamont, former chancellor: “Thatcher often said that tackling the deficit came before cutting taxes. Deficits are simply back taxes. Rishi has the skill, determination and ideas to lead us through this difficult period to more prosperous times.” Matt Hancock, former health secretary: “Just as he backed me to invest in vaccines in early 2020, Rishi Sunak has the plan to deliver for our NHS and clean up the Covid backlog.”
Undeclared
While it has undoubtedly been suggested that Boris Johnson is supporting Truss, he has refused to formally endorse either candidate. Other senior Tories who have remained silent include home secretary Priti Patel (although her special adviser works for Truss), Michael Gove (sacked from cabinet for telling Johnson to quit when he tried to hang on and now holds low profile ) and Kemi Badenoch (who ran for the leadership and came fourth on the MPs’ ballot). While some former party leaders have stuck to their oars, Theresa May, David Cameron and John Major have also remained silent. And Alok Sharma, the chairman of Cop26, as well as the leader of the Conservatives in Wales and Scotland, Andrew RT Davies and Douglas Ross, respectively, are undeclared.
