The transport secretary is understood to be one of the first senior Tory MPs to seriously consider standing in the upcoming race. Meanwhile, Mr Raab, who took over as prime minister when Boris Johnson was struck down by COVID in the spring of 2020, does not want to take on the role. Former upgrades secretary Mr Gove, who was sacked by Mr Johnson last night, also ruled himself out of the running. Politics live: Boris Johnson makes resignation statement to the country Meanwhile, former health secretary Matt Hancock, who resigned over a breach of COVID rules, is also understood not to be interested in a leadership bid. Elsewhere, speaking before Mr Johnson announced his resignation, Ben Wallace declined to comment on whether he would run to replace him. The defense secretary, one of the frontrunners to replace Mr Johnson, was asked if he would seek the top job while on a visit to a military training area in northern England. “Let’s see what the prime minister has to say,” he said. Another senior Tory MP deciding whether to throw their hat into the ring is the chairman of the influential Commons Committee, Tom Tugendhat. Meanwhile, in an interestingly timed post on social media, Northern Powerhouse group chairman Jake Berry said his “highest priority” will always be to attend to the “call to level the ambition to change the lives of people” living in his constituency. “not lost in the noise of a leadership election.” Earlier today, Mr Johnson resigned, sparking a leadership showdown in his party. In his resignation speech he confirmed that the timetable for the process of electing a new leader will be set next week. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:49 Boris Johnson has announced his resignation as Prime Minister after less than three years in Number 10 Johnson has told broadcasters that he intends to remain in Number 10 until his successor is elected, but faces resistance to that plan from within his own party. The timeline for the leadership contest is expected to result in a successor for the party’s October congress. Former prime minister Sir John Major said it was “unwise and may not be sustainable” for Johnson to stay so long. Read more: Who are the next frontrunners for prime minister? Before Mr. Johnson’s resignation, Attorney General Suella Braverman said last night that she would participate in any upcoming contest. Brexiteer Steve Baker has also announced he will run. While Business Minister Kwasi Kwarteng has also hinted that he will throw his hat in the ring. “Now we need a new leader as soon as possible. Someone who can rebuild trust, heal the country and define a new, sensible and consistent economic approach to help families,” he said. Johnson has already appointed new ministers to replace MPs who resigned in protest at his leadership. These include Greg Clark as the new promotion secretary, replacing Mr Gove, and James Cleverley as education secretary – the third person to hold the role in as many days. The new cabinet met on Thursday afternoon, but press cameras were not allowed.
