From Rishi Sunak to Boris Johnson, potential contenders in the race for next UK PM

The race for a new British Prime Minister has begun, again. After Liz Truss stepped down as prime minister Thursday, Conservative MPs looking to replace her are racing to find backers. Candidates have until 2 pm on Monday to find 100 backers. Leading the list is Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak who stood unsuccessfully against Truss in the Conservative leadership election in July. Boris Johnson has emerged as a strong contender as well. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have ruled themselves out of the contest, as per media reports. Here are some potential contenders to succeed Truss for the UK top job.

Rishi Sunak: The former chancellor is reportedly close to reaching the required 100 MP endorsements to enter the race to become the next Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party. If elected, Sunak will be the first Indian-origin person to hold the UK Prime Minister's office. Credit: Reuters Photo

Boris Johnson: The former UK prime minister is in second place with reportedly 44 endorsements. While Johnson has not publicly declared that he is running, as per a news report, he is “up for it” and bookmakers have placed him as one of the favourites to win the contest. Credit: AFP Photo

Penny Mordaunt: The Cabinet member was the first to formally declare her candidacy, after Truss stepped down. Mordaunt, who just missed out on making the final runoff to replace Johnson, said she was running for

Suella Braverman: Another potential candidate includes home secretary, Suella Braverman, who was fired by Truss on Wednesday, NYT reported. Credit: AFP Photo

Kemi Badenoch: Another name being floated is International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. Credit: Reuters Photo