Shapps tells The Sunday Times that he wants to focus on economic recovery. For example, he would like to tackle the effects of inflation and the energy crisis by cutting taxes on the lowest incomes and giving state aid to companies that use a lot of energy. Shapps would in any case not call new national elections if he is elected by his own party.
Sky News writes that Zahawi will officially stand as a candidate on Monday, but cites a speech by Zahawi that would indicate the candidacy. “The tax burden is too high. As an entrepreneur and businessman, I know that lower taxes contribute to a healthy and dynamic economy. Under my supervision, taxes will be lower for individuals, families and businesses.”
Hunt and Javid have also indicated in separate interviews with The Telegraph that they want to lower taxes. Truss will propagate “classic conservative principles” according to the Mail on Sunday.
The Independent newspaper reported on Saturday that Zahawi, who was appointed finance minister this week after Rishi Sunak stepped down, is under investigation by the UK’s Internal Revenue Service, an agency under his own department. At the same time, the newspaper writes that Zahawi is not suspected of anything.
Because Johnson has resigned as party leader of the Conservative Party, the party must look for a new leader. He automatically becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. According to British media, the new party leader will be elected in September.
With the new (upcoming) candidates, there are now nine candidates for the premiership. The resigned Finance Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Friday that he is also running as a candidate. British newspapers are questioning Sunak’s swift campaign. He is said to have registered his campaign website in December.
Others who have confirmed that they will run in the leadership elections include Tom Tugendhat, Suella Braverman and Kemi Badenoch. One of the favourites, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, said on Saturday that he does not want to become prime minister. He wants to focus on his current job. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab is also not running for election.