Tory Leadership Race: Sajid Javid Shocks by Quitting Before First Vote
In a dramatic twist, Sajid Javid has pulled out of the Tory leadership contest just before the first round results were announced. The ex-health secretary dropped a statement saying, “I look forward to seeing the debate unfold and colleagues working together as a united Conservative Party once the leadership election is concluded.”
Who Made the Cut? The Ballot Line-Up Revealed
To get on the ballot paper, candidates needed at least 20 Tory MP nominations. Here’s who made it through:
- Rishi Sunak
- Penny Mordaunt
- Tom Tugendhat
- Nadhim Zahawi
- Liz Truss
- Jeremy Hunt
- Suella Braverman
- Kemi Badenoch
Rishi Sunak led the pack, securing more than double the required nominations by launching his campaign early. Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps bowed out early, admitting he didn’t have the support to get on the ballot.
Late Scramble and Denials
Penny Mordaunt, Liz Truss, and Tom Tugendhat comfortably secured their spots well in advance. Jeremy Hunt squeaked onto the ballot at the last minute amid reports he struggled for nominations. Hunt, however, denied claims that Sunak’s team manipulated MPs to help him clear the first hurdle.
Joining the fray, former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, Attorney General Suella Braverman, and Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi also made it through to the next round.
