Final shortlist for Tory leadership revealed as Sajid Javid drops out of race
Sajid Javid has dropped out the leadership race to become the new leader of the Tory party.
The former health secretary’s resignation, which came within hours of Rishi Sunak, had led to a wave of departures which led to Boris Johnson’s demise.
The news comes as the final shortlist for Tory leadership has been confirmed.
Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, Jeremy Hunt, Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, Tom Tugendhat and Nadhim Zahawi are all in the running for Mr Johnson’s job.
Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee, announced the final list this evening, ahead of tomorrow’s ballot.
Mr Javid said this afternoon that the Tory party ‘must now look outwards, not inwards’ in order to win the next election.
‘Serving in government is a true privilege,’ he said in a statement this afternoon.
Mr Javid added: ‘It has been just seven days since I took the difficult decision to resign from the most important job I have ever had, as Health Secretary during a pandemic.
‘Since then, I have set out the values and policies I think are right for the future of our great country. I believe the party must now look outwards, not inwards, if we are to win again.
‘There is an abundance of both ideas and talent in our party. One of the candidates will be given the honour of becoming prime minister.
‘I look forward to seeing the debate unfold and to see colleagues working together as a united Conservative Party once the leadership election is concluded.’
Tory backbencher Rehman Chishti has also confirmed he has dropped out of the race to replace Mr Johnson.
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