Boris Johnson news – live: MPs back Rishi Sunak leadership bid

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More than a dozen MPs have declared their support for former Chancellor Rishi Sunak to become Prime Minister after the resignation of Boris Johnson.

The former Conservative Party co-chair , Oliver Dowden, is among seven MPs who have tweeted their support for Mr Sunak's leadership bid using the hashtag #ready4rishi.

In a statement shared on social media, he said : "Rishi is the best person to lead our country and undoubtedly the best person to beat Labour. That's why I support him to be our next Prime Minister."

Others who have tweeted their support were Dr Liam Fox, Mark Harper, Paul Maynard, Sir Bob Neill, Mel Stride and Jacob Young. Seven other people also support Mr. Sunak, according to reports, bringing the total to at least 14.

Mr. Sunak launched his bid to become the new Tory leader with a promise to restore confidence after Mr Johnson's tumultuous tenure.

“Someone has to seize this moment and make the right decisions,” he said in a campaign video posted on social media.

After the announcement of Mr Sunak, the Ladbrokes bookmakers have installed him as their favorite partner to succeed Mr Johnson, alongside Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. Yesterday, Tom Tugendhat officially ran for the leadership of the party.

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