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UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace rules out bid to replace Boris Johnson
British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, one of the favourites to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said on Saturday (July 9) he had decided not to run in the leadership contest.
Wallace said on Twitter: "After careful consideration and discussing with colleagues and family, I have taken the decision not to enter the contest for leadership of the Conservative Party.”
"It has not been an easy choice to make, but my focus is on my current job and keeping this great country safe."
Four Conservative lawmakers have officially confirmed their desire to be the next leader so far, but about a dozen others are also expected to run for the job. Wallace did not say he who he would be backing.
On Friday (July 8), former British finance minister Rishi Sunak said that he was running to replace Boris Johnson after Johnson announced the previous day that he would stand down as prime minister.
Sunak said in a campaign video released on Twitter: “Someone has to grip this moment and make the right decisions. That’s why I’m standing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and your prime minister.”
Sunak quit as finance minister on Tuesday (July 5), one of two unexpected resignations that set in motion a chain of events that led to Johnson’s decision to step down.
Former UK finance minister Rishi Sunak bids to replace Boris Johnson
According to a No 10 source, the the BBC reported that there was "real disappointment" with Mr Sunak in Downing Street.
They accused him of having a "short memory", adding: "It was the prime minister who trusted him and gave him a top job when he was a junior minister.
"The prime minister backed him to the hilt. It's a shame it wasn't reciprocated."
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