Dominic Raab, a former minister knocked out of the race to become British prime minister, backed frontrunner Boris Johnson on Wednesday, telling the Evening Standard newspaper he was the only candidate who would deliver Brexit by October 31.

"The only candidate who will now do this is Boris Johnson and so I`ll be supporting him to become our next Prime Minister," he told the paper.

Raab, a strongly pro-Brexit candidate, had said parliament could be suspended if necessary if lawmakers blocked a no-deal departure from the European Union.

He won only 30 votes from fellow Conservative Party lawmakers in the second round on Tuesday, short of the 33-vote threshold, resulting in his elimination.

Five candidates proceed to Wednesday`s third round led by Johnson, who received 126 votes. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt came second in the previous round, with 46 votes.

The candidate with the fewest votes on Wednesday will be eliminated, leaving four still in the race.&nbsp;

Dominic Raab, a former minister knocked out of the race to become British prime minister, backed frontrunner Boris Johnson on Wednesday, telling the Evening Standard newspaper he was the only candidate who would deliver Brexit by October 31.

Dominic Raab, a former minister knocked out of the race to become British prime minister, backed frontrunner Boris Johnson on Wednesday, telling the Evening Standard newspaper he was the only candidate who would deliver Brexit by October 31. "The only candidate who will now do this is Boris Johnson and so I`ll be supporting him to become our next Prime Minister," he told the paper. Raab, a strongly pro-Brexit candidate, had said parliament could be suspended if necessary if lawmakers blocked a no-deal departure from the European Union. He won only 30 votes from fellow Conservative Party lawmakers in the second round on Tuesday, short of the 33-vote threshold, resulting in his elimination. Five candidates proceed to Wednesday`s third round led by Johnson, who received 126 votes. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt came second in the previous round, with 46 votes. The candidate with the fewest votes on Wednesday will be eliminated, leaving four still in the race.

Eliminated UK PM candidate Raab backs Johnson

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898">former foreign minister Boris Johnson</a> cement his runaway lead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-candidate-johnson-criticised-for-avoiding-scrutiny-226261">Johnson picked up 126 </a>of the 313 votes from Conservative party members of the lower House of Commons while former Brexit minister Dominic Raab was knocked out.&nbsp;Johnson had won the support of 114 of 313 Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the leadership contest.

Any candidate with 32 votes or fewer is eliminated. If all candidates have more than 32 votes, the one with the fewest is eliminated.

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt picked up 46 votes, environment minister Michael Gove 41, international development minister Rory Stewart 37, and interior minister Sajid Javid exactly 33.

Johnson, the face of the official campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, has promised to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU with or without a deal.

But parliament has indicated it will try to stop a no-deal Brexit, which investors warn could roil markets and shock the world economy, while the EU has said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement that May agreed.

In his first broadcast interview since the campaign started, Johnson gave an unequivocal pledge that Brexit would happen by the latest Brexit deadline of October&nbsp;31 and Britain had to prepare for a no-deal exit, which he said would not be a disaster.

"All those who say that we should delay ... I think they risk doing terminal damage to trust in politics. We have to get on and do this. We've got to be out by October&nbsp;31," Johnson told BBC radio.

Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two.

The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner.

(Inputs: Reuters, AFP)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw former foreign minister Boris Johnson cement his runaway lead.

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw former foreign minister Boris Johnson cement his runaway lead. Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 votes from Conservative party members of the lower House of Commons while former Brexit minister Dominic Raab was knocked out. Johnson had won the support of 114 of 313 Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the leadership contest. Any candidate with 32 votes or fewer is eliminated. If all candidates have more than 32 votes, the one with the fewest is eliminated. Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt picked up 46 votes, environment minister Michael Gove 41, international development minister Rory Stewart 37, and interior minister Sajid Javid exactly 33. Johnson, the face of the official campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, has promised to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU with or without a deal. But parliament has indicated it will try to stop a no-deal Brexit, which investors warn could roil markets and shock the world economy, while the EU has said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement that May agreed. In his first broadcast interview since the campaign started, Johnson gave an unequivocal pledge that Brexit would happen by the latest Brexit deadline of October 31 and Britain had to prepare for a no-deal exit, which he said would not be a disaster. "All those who say that we should delay ... I think they risk doing terminal damage to trust in politics. We have to get on and do this. We've got to be out by October 31," Johnson told BBC radio. Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two. The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner. (Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

UK PM race: Boris Johnson tops second ballot, ex-Brexit minister Dominic Raab eliminated

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 18th, 2019

Candidates to become <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-wants-to-be-britains-next-prime-minister-221065">Britain's next prime minister</a> clashed over Brexit strategy at their first debate on Sunday but the frontrunner, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898">Boris Johnson</a>, dodged the confrontation.

The 90-minute debate on Channel 4 featured the five remaining candidates and an empty podium for Johnson, the gaffe-prone former foreign secretary and mayor of London.

In sometimes ill-tempered exchanges, four of the five candidates said they would seek to renegotiate the draft <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Brexit</a> divorce deal agreed with Brussels even though EU leaders have repeatedly ruled this out.

The fifth, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, said he would press ahead with the current agreement even though it has been rejected by parliament three times this year in a process that has forced out the current prime minister, Theresa May.

Stewart is the candidate with the lowest number of endorsements from fellow Conservative MPs but has waged a strong campaign on social media, reaching out to centre-ground voters from different parties.

He repeatedly challenged the others to detail their own Brexit plans and accused them of "machismo", earning rounds of applause from the studio audience for his comments.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who supported staying in the EU during the 2016 referendum campaign but now supports Brexit, also struck a conciliatory tone.

No-deal Brexit 'deeply damaging'&nbsp;

The four candidates without Stewart said they would be willing to lead Britain out of the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31 -- the current deadline set by the EU. Johnson has also said Brexit must happen on that date "deal or no deal".

But Stewart said a no-deal Brexit would be "deeply damaging" and threatening self-harm in an attempt to extract concessions from Brussels was "nonsense".

Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, who resigned from the government in protest at the government's compromises with Brussels, went further than the others in not ruling out the suspension of parliament if needed to stop MPs from blocking a no-deal Brexit.

"I'm the only candidate committed to leaving by the end of October come what may," Raab said.

Another candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, responded saying: "I will not take Britain out of the European Union against the will of parliament."

Home Secretary Sajid Javid joined in saying: "You don't deliver on democracy by trashing democracy."

The debate also featured scrutiny of the candidates' backgrounds.

Javid, the son of a shopkeeper who immigrated to Britain from Pakistan, repeatedly made references to his humble upbringing saying he was not from Conservative Party "central casting" and could be "a messenger that can appeal to the whole country".

The presenter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, also challenged them on more controversial issues that have come up in the campaign such as Gove's past cocaine use or Raab's critique of feminism and Stewart's repeated U-turns.

Johnson in the lead&nbsp;

Johnson has come under fire from his rivals for giving few interviews and public appearances.

He has claimed direct bickering between Conservative candidates will be counter-productive.

Conservative MPs will hold successive rounds of voting from Tuesday to reduce the candidates to just two, then 160,000 grassroots party members will pick the winner in a postal ballot.

The victor, who will become Britain's next prime minister, is set to be announced in the week starting on July 22.

Johnson topped last week's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Hunt on 43 and Gove on 37.

Raab got 27, Javid got 23 and Stewart was on 19.

The survivors of the second round on Tuesday will face a BBC television debate later the same day, which Johnson has said he will attend.

Candidates to become Britain's next prime minister clashed over Brexit strategy at their first debate on Sunday but the frontrunner, Boris Johnson, dodged the confrontation.

Candidates to become Britain's next prime minister clashed over Brexit strategy at their first debate on Sunday but the frontrunner, Boris Johnson, dodged the confrontation. The 90-minute debate on Channel 4 featured the five remaining candidates and an empty podium for Johnson, the gaffe-prone former foreign secretary and mayor of London. In sometimes ill-tempered exchanges, four of the five candidates said they would seek to renegotiate the draft Brexit divorce deal agreed with Brussels even though EU leaders have repeatedly ruled this out. The fifth, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, said he would press ahead with the current agreement even though it has been rejected by parliament three times this year in a process that has forced out the current prime minister, Theresa May. Stewart is the candidate with the lowest number of endorsements from fellow Conservative MPs but has waged a strong campaign on social media, reaching out to centre-ground voters from different parties. He repeatedly challenged the others to detail their own Brexit plans and accused them of "machismo", earning rounds of applause from the studio audience for his comments. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who supported staying in the EU during the 2016 referendum campaign but now supports Brexit, also struck a conciliatory tone. No-deal Brexit 'deeply damaging' The four candidates without Stewart said they would be willing to lead Britain out of the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31 -- the current deadline set by the EU. Johnson has also said Brexit must happen on that date "deal or no deal". But Stewart said a no-deal Brexit would be "deeply damaging" and threatening self-harm in an attempt to extract concessions from Brussels was "nonsense". Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, who resigned from the government in protest at the government's compromises with Brussels, went further than the others in not ruling out the suspension of parliament if needed to stop MPs from blocking a no-deal Brexit. "I'm the only candidate committed to leaving by the end of October come what may," Raab said. Another candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, responded saying: "I will not take Britain out of the European Union against the will of parliament." Home Secretary Sajid Javid joined in saying: "You don't deliver on democracy by trashing democracy." The debate also featured scrutiny of the candidates' backgrounds. Javid, the son of a shopkeeper who immigrated to Britain from Pakistan, repeatedly made references to his humble upbringing saying he was not from Conservative Party "central casting" and could be "a messenger that can appeal to the whole country". The presenter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, also challenged them on more controversial issues that have come up in the campaign such as Gove's past cocaine use or Raab's critique of feminism and Stewart's repeated U-turns. Johnson in the lead Johnson has come under fire from his rivals for giving few interviews and public appearances. He has claimed direct bickering between Conservative candidates will be counter-productive. Conservative MPs will hold successive rounds of voting from Tuesday to reduce the candidates to just two, then 160,000 grassroots party members will pick the winner in a postal ballot. The victor, who will become Britain's next prime minister, is set to be announced in the week starting on July 22. Johnson topped last week's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Hunt on 43 and Gove on 37. Raab got 27, Javid got 23 and Stewart was on 19. The survivors of the second round on Tuesday will face a BBC television debate later the same day, which Johnson has said he will attend.

British prime ministerial rivals clash over Brexit strategy

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 17th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 16th, 2019

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson.

The men battling for the leadership of the governing centre-right Conservative Party spoke at a central London hotel ahead of a week of voting that will whittle them down to two.

The contenders were warming up their arguments ahead of a 90-minute televised debate on Sunday although Johnson is sitting it out, claiming direct bickering between them will be counter-productive.

Johnson, who will be given an empty podium in the Channel 4 programme, will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday.

Conservative MPs whittle the contenders down to two through successive rounds of voting before the 160,000 grassroots party members pick the winner in a postal ballot.

Speaking at the National Conservative Convention hustings meeting, Johnson said he wanted to revitalise the party.

"What we need to do is to speak with confidence again about our basic Conservative message," the former foreign secretary said, according to his campaign office.

"The basic idea that it is wealth creation, it is free market economics that is at the heart of delivering the revenues that we need to pay for civilised objectives."

He said he was the candidate that could win back voters who have drifted to the Brexit Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats, then beat the main opposition Labour Party.&nbsp;

He branded Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a "high taxing, high spending, Hugo Chavez-admiring, an anti-Semitism-condoning apologist for the Kremlin".

Johnson topped Thursday's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on 43 and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on 37.

Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab got 27, interior minister Sajid Javid got 23 and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart was on 19.

There are 50 votes to play for that went to candidates who have dropped out and contenders need 33 votes to get through Tuesday's second round when at least one more candidate will be eliminated.

'Blue on blue' attacks

A report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper report suggested senior party figures had drawn up plans whereby other candidates could pull out, leaving Johnson as the only person going to a confirmatory vote of the membership, in order to avoid weeks of damaging "blue on blue" attacks.

Speaking as he left the private hustings at the London hotel, Javid said: "I don't want to see a coronation. There needs to be a proper process that's followed through."

Stewart attacked Johnson for entering the event via a side door, thereby avoiding speaking to reporters. Former London mayor Johnson has faced criticism for giving few interviews and public appearances.

"The whole genius of British politics is that we don't behave like American presidents sweeping up in a motorcade. We're all about talking to people," Stewart said.

Raab had earlier launched a broadside at Johnson, saying the party did not need a leader who could be "easily caricatured as being from the privileged elite", and suggested he couldn't "take the heat" of the TV debates.

The winner of the members' vote will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson.

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson. The men battling for the leadership of the governing centre-right Conservative Party spoke at a central London hotel ahead of a week of voting that will whittle them down to two. The contenders were warming up their arguments ahead of a 90-minute televised debate on Sunday although Johnson is sitting it out, claiming direct bickering between them will be counter-productive. Johnson, who will be given an empty podium in the Channel 4 programme, will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday. Conservative MPs whittle the contenders down to two through successive rounds of voting before the 160,000 grassroots party members pick the winner in a postal ballot. Speaking at the National Conservative Convention hustings meeting, Johnson said he wanted to revitalise the party. "What we need to do is to speak with confidence again about our basic Conservative message," the former foreign secretary said, according to his campaign office. "The basic idea that it is wealth creation, it is free market economics that is at the heart of delivering the revenues that we need to pay for civilised objectives." He said he was the candidate that could win back voters who have drifted to the Brexit Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats, then beat the main opposition Labour Party. He branded Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a "high taxing, high spending, Hugo Chavez-admiring, an anti-Semitism-condoning apologist for the Kremlin". Johnson topped Thursday's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on 43 and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on 37. Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab got 27, interior minister Sajid Javid got 23 and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart was on 19. There are 50 votes to play for that went to candidates who have dropped out and contenders need 33 votes to get through Tuesday's second round when at least one more candidate will be eliminated. 'Blue on blue' attacks A report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper report suggested senior party figures had drawn up plans whereby other candidates could pull out, leaving Johnson as the only person going to a confirmatory vote of the membership, in order to avoid weeks of damaging "blue on blue" attacks. Speaking as he left the private hustings at the London hotel, Javid said: "I don't want to see a coronation. There needs to be a proper process that's followed through." Stewart attacked Johnson for entering the event via a side door, thereby avoiding speaking to reporters. Former London mayor Johnson has faced criticism for giving few interviews and public appearances. "The whole genius of British politics is that we don't behave like American presidents sweeping up in a motorcade. We're all about talking to people," Stewart said. Raab had earlier launched a broadside at Johnson, saying the party did not need a leader who could be "easily caricatured as being from the privileged elite", and suggested he couldn't "take the heat" of the TV debates. The winner of the members' vote will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

Rivals for British PM take aim at Boris Johnson

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday.

While it is "alarming" that leading contenders to replace Theresa May as Britain's Prime Minister are increasingly threatening a no-deal Brexit, Ireland was 100 per cent certain the European Union would not allow the backstop to go, he said.

Leadership contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson, have called for the controversial Irish clause that is designed to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be changed or scrapped. They have said Britain would be prepared to leave without a deal if there was no compromise.

"To me, no backstop is effectively the same as no-deal because what the backstop is is ... a legally operable guarantee that we will never see a hard border emerge again," Varadkar told RTE radio. "If we don't have that, that is no deal."

How to manage the land border between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - including an emergency "backstop" solution to prevent the return of extensive frontier controls - has proven the most contentious element of Britain's planned exit from the European Union.

Varadkar again rejected a proposal for a time limit on the Northern Ireland clause, saying a backstop with a time limit is "not a backstop."

He said that Ireland remained open to the possibility of alternative arrangements that would allow an open border with Northern Ireland while protecting the European Union's single market - something Johnson has suggested may offer a solution.

But Varadkar said that would only be a possibility once the technologies required had been demonstrated to work effectively.

"What people are saying is give up the backstop, which we know will work legally and operationally in return for something that doesn't yet exist but might exist in the future ... I can't do that to the border communities," Varadkar said.

Varadkar said he was looking forward to sitting down with May's replacement, but said the next prime minister should not expect a better Brexit deal.

"The fact that the failure of the House Of Commons to ratify the withdrawal agreement somehow means they are going to get a better deal, that is just not how the European Union works," he said.

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday.

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday. While it is "alarming" that leading contenders to replace Theresa May as Britain's Prime Minister are increasingly threatening a no-deal Brexit, Ireland was 100 per cent certain the European Union would not allow the backstop to go, he said. Leadership contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson, have called for the controversial Irish clause that is designed to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be changed or scrapped. They have said Britain would be prepared to leave without a deal if there was no compromise. "To me, no backstop is effectively the same as no-deal because what the backstop is is ... a legally operable guarantee that we will never see a hard border emerge again," Varadkar told RTE radio. "If we don't have that, that is no deal." How to manage the land border between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - including an emergency "backstop" solution to prevent the return of extensive frontier controls - has proven the most contentious element of Britain's planned exit from the European Union. Varadkar again rejected a proposal for a time limit on the Northern Ireland clause, saying a backstop with a time limit is "not a backstop." He said that Ireland remained open to the possibility of alternative arrangements that would allow an open border with Northern Ireland while protecting the European Union's single market - something Johnson has suggested may offer a solution. But Varadkar said that would only be a possibility once the technologies required had been demonstrated to work effectively. "What people are saying is give up the backstop, which we know will work legally and operationally in return for something that doesn't yet exist but might exist in the future ... I can't do that to the border communities," Varadkar said. Varadkar said he was looking forward to sitting down with May's replacement, but said the next prime minister should not expect a better Brexit deal. "The fact that the failure of the House Of Commons to ratify the withdrawal agreement somehow means they are going to get a better deal, that is just not how the European Union works," he said.

Brexit: Irish PM says no backstop as bad for Ireland as no deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898">Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister</a> 
 
Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-uk-foreign-secretary-signs-wikileaks-founders-us-extradition-papers-226823">Julian Assange: UK Foreign Secretary Javid signs WikiLeaks founder's US extradition papers&nbsp;</a> 
 
UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, on Friday said that he had signed a request to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US where he faces charges of computer hacking.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-russia-relations-are-getting-worse-and-worse-226830">Putin says US-Russia relations are getting 'worse and worse'</a>

President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-rescue-team-recovers-bodies-of-all-personnel-aboard-an-32-aircraft-226844">Indian Air Force's rescue team recovers bodies of all personnel aboard AN-32 aircraft</a> 
 
Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft. The black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered. Choppers would be used to carry the dead bodies from the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May. Julian Assange: UK Foreign Secretary Javid signs WikiLeaks founder's US extradition papers UK home secretary, Sajid Javid, on Friday said that he had signed a request to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the US where he faces charges of computer hacking. Putin says US-Russia relations are getting 'worse and worse' President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia. Indian Air Force's rescue team recovers bodies of all personnel aboard AN-32 aircraft Indian Air Force's search and rescue team has recovered bodies of all 13 personnel who were aboard IAF's missing AN-32 aircraft. The black box of transport aircraft has also been recovered. Choppers would be used to carry the dead bodies from the crash site, news agency ANI reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Boris Johnson</a>, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October&nbsp;31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

Johnson got 114 votes, with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in second place on 43 votes and Environment Minister Michael Gove third with 37 votes.

Three candidates -- Andrea Leadsom, Esther McVey and Mark Harper -- were eliminated after they failed to receive the required minimum of 17 votes.

The former foreign secretary, 54, says he would get Britain out of the EU "deal or no deal" when the October 31 deadline set by EU leaders comes around.

But he has also said a no-deal Brexit would be "a last resort, not something that anybody desires".

He has threatened to withhold the country's Brexit bill if the EU does not offer improved withdrawal terms, and to scrap a controversial provision for the Irish border contained in the current divorce deal -- both of which would be unacceptable to Brussels.

A figurehead in the 2016 Brexit campaign, he was May's foreign secretary until he resigned over her Brexit strategy.

Charismatic and popular with grassroots Conservatives, he is seen as the favourite in the race, scooping up a growing number of pledges of support from cabinet members and MPs.

Johnson picked up 114 votes in the first round of voting by Conservative MPs in the leadership race on Thursday.

Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May. Johnson got 114 votes, with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in second place on 43 votes and Environment Minister Michael Gove third with 37 votes. Three candidates -- Andrea Leadsom, Esther McVey and Mark Harper -- were eliminated after they failed to receive the required minimum of 17 votes. The former foreign secretary, 54, says he would get Britain out of the EU "deal or no deal" when the October 31 deadline set by EU leaders comes around. But he has also said a no-deal Brexit would be "a last resort, not something that anybody desires". He has threatened to withhold the country's Brexit bill if the EU does not offer improved withdrawal terms, and to scrap a controversial provision for the Irish border contained in the current divorce deal -- both of which would be unacceptable to Brussels. A figurehead in the 2016 Brexit campaign, he was May's foreign secretary until he resigned over her Brexit strategy. Charismatic and popular with grassroots Conservatives, he is seen as the favourite in the race, scooping up a growing number of pledges of support from cabinet members and MPs. Johnson picked up 114 votes in the first round of voting by Conservative MPs in the leadership race on Thursday.

Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister

Boris Johnson launches his campaign Wednesday to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader, as lawmakers moved to stop him and other hardliners from delivering a "no deal" Brexit.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-candidate-johnson-criticised-for-avoiding-scrutiny-226261">former foreign secretary </a>is the favourite among 10 candidates to succeed May, who quit after failing to take Britain out of the European Union on schedule.

May has delayed Brexit twice -- most recently to October 31 -- as she tried and failed to get her divorce deal through parliament.

Johnson, a leading figure in the 2016 referendum vote to leave, has said he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-brexit-case-hounding-his-leadership-bid-225320">will deliver on the result</a> with or without a deal with Brussels.

"After three years and two missed deadlines, we must leave the EU on October 31," he said ahead of his official campaign launch.

He warned that failure would see the ruling Conservatives lose at the next election to leftist leader Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party.

"Delay means defeat. Delay means Corbyn. Kick the can and we kick the bucket," he said.

However, opposition parties backed by some Conservatives are putting forward a motion in parliament's lower House of Commons to seek to block any attempt to leave the EU with no deal.

They fear that severing ties overnight with Britain's biggest trading partner would bring huge economic disruption.

In a repeat of moves earlier this year, the MPs will try to take control of the Commons timetable on June 25, which would allow them to introduce a law that might stop "no deal".

"The Tory debate on Brexit has descended into the disturbing, ludicrous and reckless," said Labour Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer.&nbsp;

"We can't be bystanders while the next prime minister forces through a no-deal without the consent of the British people."

Johnson has a chequered history, arguably known more for his gaffes and jokes than his achievements both as mayor of London and foreign minister.

But he has a national presence, known across Britain just as Boris, and is seen as more charismatic than his rivals.

He warned that Corbyn must not be allowed to win an election.

"The last time I faced an emanation of that Marxist cabal I defeated him when the Conservatives were 17 points behind in London," he said.

"And we can do it again."

Boris Johnson launches his campaign Wednesday to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader, as lawmakers moved to stop him and other hardliners from delivering a "no deal" Brexit.

Boris Johnson launches his campaign Wednesday to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader, as lawmakers moved to stop him and other hardliners from delivering a "no deal" Brexit. The former foreign secretary is the favourite among 10 candidates to succeed May, who quit after failing to take Britain out of the European Union on schedule. May has delayed Brexit twice -- most recently to October 31 -- as she tried and failed to get her divorce deal through parliament. Johnson, a leading figure in the 2016 referendum vote to leave, has said he will deliver on the result with or without a deal with Brussels. "After three years and two missed deadlines, we must leave the EU on October 31," he said ahead of his official campaign launch. He warned that failure would see the ruling Conservatives lose at the next election to leftist leader Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party. "Delay means defeat. Delay means Corbyn. Kick the can and we kick the bucket," he said. However, opposition parties backed by some Conservatives are putting forward a motion in parliament's lower House of Commons to seek to block any attempt to leave the EU with no deal. They fear that severing ties overnight with Britain's biggest trading partner would bring huge economic disruption. In a repeat of moves earlier this year, the MPs will try to take control of the Commons timetable on June 25, which would allow them to introduce a law that might stop "no deal". "The Tory debate on Brexit has descended into the disturbing, ludicrous and reckless," said Labour Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer. "We can't be bystanders while the next prime minister forces through a no-deal without the consent of the British people." Johnson has a chequered history, arguably known more for his gaffes and jokes than his achievements both as mayor of London and foreign minister. But he has a national presence, known across Britain just as Boris, and is seen as more charismatic than his rivals. He warned that Corbyn must not be allowed to win an election. "The last time I faced an emanation of that Marxist cabal I defeated him when the Conservatives were 17 points behind in London," he said. "And we can do it again."

Boris Johnson launches UK leadership bid as MPs warn on Brexit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-must-broaden-appeal-to-win-any-united-kingdom-election-pollster-224598">Boris Johnson</a>, the favourite to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May, was criticised on Tuesday by a rival who said the former foreign minister was avoiding public scrutiny in the contest.

After three years of political deadlock over Brexit, the ruling Conservative Party is picking a new leader from 10 different candidates and hopes to have a new prime minister in place by the end of July.

Johnson, who led the official Brexit campaign in the 2016 referendum, is the frontrunner to replace May despite a long record of scandals and gaffes. Betting markets give him a 60 per cent probability of winning the top job.

But rivals have turned on Johnson over his pledges to cut taxes for the wealthy, deliver Brexit with or without an exit deal and his apparent desire to keep a low profile.

When asked about Johnson, rival Matt Hancock said,&nbsp;"I certainly think that everybody who puts their name forward to be prime minister should be open to scrutiny, should be accountable.

"Everybody should participate in the proposed TV debates. And I think we've got to ask the question,&nbsp;why not?" he told BBC radio. "I've got nothing to hide and that's why I am here."

A spokesman for Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Johnson left his home in London on Tuesday morning without comment, a Reuters reporter at the scene said. He is due to begin his campaign on Wednesday.

"Time to come out of your bunker, Boris" the Daily Mail, Britain's second-most-read newspaper, said in an editorial.

"Usually he positively craves media attention ... Yet for weeks now he has been stuck in his trench, dribbling out vague policy ideas," the newspaper said.

Rivals say he is avoiding the limelight because the contest is his to lose -- a stray word or poorly placed joke could deprive him of his best chance at getting Britain's top job.

'Boris'

Johnson originally made his name as a European Union-bashing journalist in Brussels, then entered politics in the Conservative Party. He also raised his profile through a series of appearances on a television comedy.

Known in Britain and beyond for his clownish persona and dishevelled mop of platinum hair, Johnson upset some Europeans before Britain's Brexit referendum by comparing the goals of the EU with those of Adolf Hitler and Napoleon.

His quick wit and eccentric style helped him shrug off a series of scandals, among them, getting sacked from the party’s policy team while in opposition for lying about an extra-marital affair. That and other episodes earned him the tabloid nickname "Bonking Boris".

But where others would have floundered, Johnson became increasingly popular, culminating in his two victories in usually left-leaning London’s mayoral contests in 2008 and 2012.

He was considered a favourite for the top job when David Cameron resigned after the 2016 referendum. But his close ally, Michael Gove, abruptly deserted him and announced his own candidacy.

Gove, again one of his main rivals for the leadership, on Monday taunted Johnson.

"If I get through, which I am sure I will, actually, to the final two against Mr Johnson, this is what I will say to him, 'Mr Johnson, whatever you do, don’t pull out, I know you have before, and I know you may not believe in your heart that you can do it, but the Conservative Party membership deserve a choice'," Gove said.

Boris Johnson, the favourite to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May, was criticised on Tuesday by a rival who said the former foreign minister was avoiding public scrutiny in the contest.

Boris Johnson, the favourite to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May, was criticised on Tuesday by a rival who said the former foreign minister was avoiding public scrutiny in the contest. After three years of political deadlock over Brexit, the ruling Conservative Party is picking a new leader from 10 different candidates and hopes to have a new prime minister in place by the end of July. Johnson, who led the official Brexit campaign in the 2016 referendum, is the frontrunner to replace May despite a long record of scandals and gaffes. Betting markets give him a 60 per cent probability of winning the top job. But rivals have turned on Johnson over his pledges to cut taxes for the wealthy, deliver Brexit with or without an exit deal and his apparent desire to keep a low profile. When asked about Johnson, rival Matt Hancock said, "I certainly think that everybody who puts their name forward to be prime minister should be open to scrutiny, should be accountable. "Everybody should participate in the proposed TV debates. And I think we've got to ask the question, why not?" he told BBC radio. "I've got nothing to hide and that's why I am here." A spokesman for Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Johnson left his home in London on Tuesday morning without comment, a Reuters reporter at the scene said. He is due to begin his campaign on Wednesday. "Time to come out of your bunker, Boris" the Daily Mail, Britain's second-most-read newspaper, said in an editorial. "Usually he positively craves media attention ... Yet for weeks now he has been stuck in his trench, dribbling out vague policy ideas," the newspaper said. Rivals say he is avoiding the limelight because the contest is his to lose -- a stray word or poorly placed joke could deprive him of his best chance at getting Britain's top job. 'Boris' Johnson originally made his name as a European Union-bashing journalist in Brussels, then entered politics in the Conservative Party. He also raised his profile through a series of appearances on a television comedy. Known in Britain and beyond for his clownish persona and dishevelled mop of platinum hair, Johnson upset some Europeans before Britain's Brexit referendum by comparing the goals of the EU with those of Adolf Hitler and Napoleon. His quick wit and eccentric style helped him shrug off a series of scandals, among them, getting sacked from the party’s policy team while in opposition for lying about an extra-marital affair. That and other episodes earned him the tabloid nickname "Bonking Boris". But where others would have floundered, Johnson became increasingly popular, culminating in his two victories in usually left-leaning London’s mayoral contests in 2008 and 2012. He was considered a favourite for the top job when David Cameron resigned after the 2016 referendum. But his close ally, Michael Gove, abruptly deserted him and announced his own candidacy. Gove, again one of his main rivals for the leadership, on Monday taunted Johnson. "If I get through, which I am sure I will, actually, to the final two against Mr Johnson, this is what I will say to him, 'Mr Johnson, whatever you do, don’t pull out, I know you have before, and I know you may not believe in your heart that you can do it, but the Conservative Party membership deserve a choice'," Gove said.

UK PM candidate Boris Johnson criticised for avoiding scrutiny

<p content="London (AFP) - The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader formally got under way on Monday, with frontrunner Boris Johnson facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal." data-reactid="45" type="text">The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader formally got underway on Monday, with frontrunner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-pm-candidate-johnson-plans-tax-cuts-telegraph-225881">Boris Johnson</a> facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal.

<p content="Eleven candidates have declared their interest in succeeding May, who quit as her Conservative party's leader on Friday over her failure to take Britain out of the EU on time." data-reactid="46" type="text">Eleven candidates have declared their interest in succeeding May, who quit as her Conservative party's leader on Friday over her failure to take Britain out of the EU on time. She remains prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, and they will automatically enter Downing Street.

<p content="The race has been dominated by Britain's looming EU exit on October 31, with Johnson among those talking tough on the need to renegotiate the terms May struck or leave with no deal." data-reactid="48" type="text">The race has been dominated by Britain's looming EU exit on October 31, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-brexit-case-hounding-his-leadership-bid-225320">Johnson</a> among those talking tough on the need to renegotiate the terms May struck or leave with no deal.

<p content="But his vow to refuse to pay the multi-billion-euro financial settlement she has agreed, covering Britain's liabilities from four decades of EU membership, drew a sharp rebuke from Paris." data-reactid="49" type="text">But his vow to refuse to pay the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-threatens-to-withhold-50-billion-brexit-payment-225603">multi-billion-euro financial settlement</a> she has agreed, covering Britain's liabilities from four decades of EU membership, drew a sharp rebuke from Paris.

<p content="&quot;Not honouring payment obligations is a breach of international commitment equivalent to a default on its sovereign debt, with the consequences that we know,&quot; a source close to French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP." data-reactid="50" type="text">"Not honouring payment obligations is a breach of international commitment equivalent to a default on its sovereign debt, with the consequences that we know," a source close to French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP.

<p content="Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite but has not appeared in public for weeks, a tactic that has helped the politician best known for his gaffes, jokes and anecdotes to stay on message." data-reactid="51" type="text">Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite but has not appeared in public for weeks, a tactic that has helped the politician best known for his gaffes, jokes and anecdotes to stay on message.

While his rivals have been touring the broadcast studios, he announced his latest campaign promise -- to slash income tax -- in his regular newspaper column.

<p content="By contrast, another leading candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, spent the weekend apologising after revealing he had taken cocaine on several occasions two decades ago." data-reactid="53" type="text">By contrast, another leading candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, spent the weekend apologising after revealing he had taken cocaine on several occasions two decades ago.

<p content="By contrast, another leading candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, spent the weekend apologising after revealing he had taken cocaine on several occasions two decades ago." data-reactid="53" type="text">Serious times

May took over after the 2016 EU referendum but was forced to quit after failing three times to get her divorce deal through parliament, and twice delaying Brexit.

Johnson and Gove were both leading campaigners for Brexit in the referendum, but while the former quit the government over May's approach, Gove stayed on.

<p content="The pair have history -- Gove dramatically withdrew his backing for Johnson during the 2016 leadership campaign, only to falter himself, clearing the way for May." data-reactid="57" type="text">The pair have history -- Gove dramatically withdrew his backing for Johnson during the 2016 leadership campaign, only to falter himself, clearing the way for May.

<p content="The 51-year-old's campaign this time has been hit by the revelation in a forthcoming biography of his illegal use of cocaine, which he admitted but said was a mistake." data-reactid="58" type="text">The 51-year-old's campaign this time has been hit by the revelation in a forthcoming biography of his illegal use of cocaine, which he admitted but said was a mistake.

He suffered another blow on Monday when his cabinet colleague Amber Rudd, a moderate on Brexit, endorsed Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt for the leadership.

<p content="Gove has taken a softer line on Britain's EU departure than Johnson, suggesting he might delay Brexit once again to try to avoid a damaging &quot;no deal&quot; exit." data-reactid="60" type="text">Gove has taken a softer line on Britain's EU departure than Johnson, suggesting he might delay Brexit once again to try to avoid a damaging "no deal" exit.

Meanwhile, Hunt claimed at that weekend that he had received encouraging signals for renegotiating the Brexit deal from German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

<p content="In response, a German government spokeswoman referenced a previous remark by Merkel that the deal cannot be reopened, although a declaration on future ties could be." data-reactid="62" type="text">In response, a German government spokeswoman referenced a previous remark by Merkel that the deal cannot be reopened, although a declaration on future ties could be.

<p content="Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Interior Minister Sajid Javid, former Brexit minister Dominic Raab and Commons leader Andrea Leadsom are also in the running among several others." data-reactid="63" type="text">Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Interior Minister Sajid Javid, former Brexit minister Dominic Raab and Commons leader Andrea Leadsom are also in the running among several others.

<p content="Each must have the support of at least eight Conservative MPs to stand. In a series of secret ballots running from June 13 to 20, MPs will then whittle down the field to a final pair." data-reactid="64" type="text">Each must have the support of at least eight Conservative MPs to stand. In a series of secret ballots running from June 13 to 20, MPs will then whittle down the field to a final pair.

These two will then be chosen in a postal ballot by more than 160,000 paying party members.

<p content="Johnson emphasises his appeal across the political divide, a persuasive argument as there is a real risk of a general election if the parliamentary deadlock over Brexit remains." data-reactid="66" type="text">Johnson emphasises his appeal across the political divide, a persuasive argument as there is a real risk of a general election if the parliamentary deadlock over Brexit remains.

<p content="The Tories are under pressure from both leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and populist Nigel Farage, whose new Brexit Party has been poaching disgruntled Tory voters." data-reactid="67" type="text">The Tories are under pressure from both leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and populist Nigel Farage, whose new Brexit Party has been poaching disgruntled Tory voters.

<p content="But Johnson's bombastic rhetoric has alienated many colleagues and voters, he has been accused of lying during the Brexit campaign and his time as foreign minister was underwhelming." data-reactid="68" type="text">But Johnson's bombastic rhetoric has alienated many colleagues and voters, he has been accused of lying during the Brexit campaign and his time as foreign minister was underwhelming.

In endorsing Hunt, Rudd said: "These are serious times and we need a respected statesman who Brussels will listen to, not more bluster."

The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader formally got underway on Monday, with frontrunner Boris Johnson facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal.

The contest to replace Theresa May as Britain's next leader formally got underway on Monday, with frontrunner Boris Johnson facing criticism from Paris over his Brexit plan and a key rival struggling to throw off a drugs scandal. Eleven candidates have declared their interest in succeeding May, who quit as her Conservative party's leader on Friday over her failure to take Britain out of the EU on time. She remains prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, and they will automatically enter Downing Street. The race has been dominated by Britain's looming EU exit on October 31, with Johnson among those talking tough on the need to renegotiate the terms May struck or leave with no deal. But his vow to refuse to pay the multi-billion-euro financial settlement she has agreed, covering Britain's liabilities from four decades of EU membership, drew a sharp rebuke from Paris. "Not honouring payment obligations is a breach of international commitment equivalent to a default on its sovereign debt, with the consequences that we know," a source close to French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP. Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite but has not appeared in public for weeks, a tactic that has helped the politician best known for his gaffes, jokes and anecdotes to stay on message. While his rivals have been touring the broadcast studios, he announced his latest campaign promise -- to slash income tax -- in his regular newspaper column. By contrast, another leading candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, spent the weekend apologising after revealing he had taken cocaine on several occasions two decades ago. Serious times May took over after the 2016 EU referendum but was forced to quit after failing three times to get her divorce deal through parliament, and twice delaying Brexit. Johnson and Gove were both leading campaigners for Brexit in the referendum, but while the former quit the government over May's approach, Gove stayed on. The pair have history -- Gove dramatically withdrew his backing for Johnson during the 2016 leadership campaign, only to falter himself, clearing the way for May. The 51-year-old's campaign this time has been hit by the revelation in a forthcoming biography of his illegal use of cocaine, which he admitted but said was a mistake. He suffered another blow on Monday when his cabinet colleague Amber Rudd, a moderate on Brexit, endorsed Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt for the leadership. Gove has taken a softer line on Britain's EU departure than Johnson, suggesting he might delay Brexit once again to try to avoid a damaging "no deal" exit. Meanwhile, Hunt claimed at that weekend that he had received encouraging signals for renegotiating the Brexit deal from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In response, a German government spokeswoman referenced a previous remark by Merkel that the deal cannot be reopened, although a declaration on future ties could be. Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Interior Minister Sajid Javid, former Brexit minister Dominic Raab and Commons leader Andrea Leadsom are also in the running among several others. Each must have the support of at least eight Conservative MPs to stand. In a series of secret ballots running from June 13 to 20, MPs will then whittle down the field to a final pair. These two will then be chosen in a postal ballot by more than 160,000 paying party members. Johnson emphasises his appeal across the political divide, a persuasive argument as there is a real risk of a general election if the parliamentary deadlock over Brexit remains. The Tories are under pressure from both leftist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and populist Nigel Farage, whose new Brexit Party has been poaching disgruntled Tory voters. But Johnson's bombastic rhetoric has alienated many colleagues and voters, he has been accused of lying during the Brexit campaign and his time as foreign minister was underwhelming. In endorsing Hunt, Rudd said: "These are serious times and we need a respected statesman who Brussels will listen to, not more bluster."

Drugs and Brexit: Race to replace United Kingdom's May under way

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-threatens-to-withhold-50-billion-brexit-payment-225603">Boris Johnson</a>, the front-runner to become Britain's next prime minister, said on Sunday he wanted to cut business taxes and relieve the income tax burden on some workers.

The contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May begins in earnest on Monday after she resigned last week as Conservative Party leader, having failed to unite her party or deliver Brexit on time.

Writing in his weekly column, Johnson - the face of Brexit for many Britons after he led the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union - outlined his approach to lower taxation.

"We should be cutting business taxes," he wrote, without elaborating.

Watch: Will Boris Johnson be the next UK PM?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-boris-johnson-be-the-next-uk-pm-221660/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson, a former foreign minister and mayor of London who resigned in protest at May's Brexit strategy, is the bookmakers' favourite to win the leadership battle that will play out over the next six weeks.

The Telegraph reported separately that he would raise the point at which workers begin paying a 40 per cent income tax to 80,000 pounds ($101,824) from 50,000 pounds.

The move would cost 9.6 billion pounds ($12.2 billion)annually and be partly funded by using money set aside in the current budget to deal with the consequences of Brexit, the paper reported.

"We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth."

&nbsp;

Boris Johnson, the front-runner to become Britain's next prime minister, said on Sunday he wanted to cut business taxes and relieve the income tax burden on some workers.

Boris Johnson, the front-runner to become Britain's next prime minister, said on Sunday he wanted to cut business taxes and relieve the income tax burden on some workers. The contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May begins in earnest on Monday after she resigned last week as Conservative Party leader, having failed to unite her party or deliver Brexit on time. Writing in his weekly column, Johnson - the face of Brexit for many Britons after he led the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union - outlined his approach to lower taxation. "We should be cutting business taxes," he wrote, without elaborating. Watch: Will Boris Johnson be the next UK PM? Johnson, a former foreign minister and mayor of London who resigned in protest at May's Brexit strategy, is the bookmakers' favourite to win the leadership battle that will play out over the next six weeks. The Telegraph reported separately that he would raise the point at which workers begin paying a 40 per cent income tax to 80,000 pounds ($101,824) from 50,000 pounds. The move would cost 9.6 billion pounds ($12.2 billion)annually and be partly funded by using money set aside in the current budget to deal with the consequences of Brexit, the paper reported. "We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth."

United Kingdom's PM candidate Boris Johnson plans tax cuts: Reports

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-brexit-case-hounding-his-leadership-bid-225320">Boris Johnson</a>, the leading candidate to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-quits-as-party-leader-starting-succession-race-225177">Theresa May</a> as Britain's next prime minister, said he would withhold a previously agreed 39 billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit payment until the European Union gives Britain better exit terms.

The EU has repeatedly said it will not reopen discussion of the Brexit transition deal it reached with May last year, which British lawmakers have rejected three times, prompting May to announce her resignation earlier this month.

May stepped down as leader of the governing Conservatives on Friday.

Johnson, a former foreign secretary in May's cabinet, is popular with ordinary Conservative Party members, who will decide between the two candidates who come top in a series of votes by Conservative lawmakers over the coming weeks.

"I always thought it was extraordinary that we should agree to write that entire cheque before having a final deal. In getting a good deal, money is a great solvent and a great lubricant," Johnson told the Sunday Times.

Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31 if Parliament does not approve a deal - and the government does not ask the EU for another delay - there risks being major economic disruption from a disorderly departure.

Watch: Race to replace Theresa May, Who'll be next?

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The 39 billion pounds represents outstanding British liabilities to the EU, which would be paid over a number of years according to the withdrawal agreement negotiated by May.

Johnson also said border arrangements with Ireland should be settled only as part of a long-term agreement, rejecting a "backstop" which would avoid checks on Northern Ireland's border but which Conservative lawmakers fear is a backdoor way of requiring Britain to continue to follow EU rules after Brexit.

The EU has said guarantees to keep the border open between Ireland and Northern Ireland are an essential part of the transition agreement.

Separately, one of Johnson's rivals, environment minister Michael Gove, said he would scrap the value-added tax (VAT) levied on most goods and services and replace it with a lower US-style sales tax.

Gove told the Sunday Telegraph he wanted to use "the opportunity of life outside the EU to look to replace VAT with a lower, simpler sales tax, ensuring our business tax structure is the most competitive in the G20 and reducing marginal tax rates for the poorest families to reward work."

VAT is one of Britain's main taxes, which the government expects to raise 137 billion pounds this year.

Another leadership contender, Sajid Javid, said he was willing to pay Ireland hundreds of millions of pounds towards the cost of new border arrangements to facilitate a Brexit deal.

Boris Johnson, the leading candidate to succeed Theresa May as Britain's next prime minister, said he would withhold a previously agreed 39 billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit payment until the European Union gives Britain better exit terms.

Boris Johnson, the leading candidate to succeed Theresa May as Britain's next prime minister, said he would withhold a previously agreed 39 billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit payment until the European Union gives Britain better exit terms. The EU has repeatedly said it will not reopen discussion of the Brexit transition deal it reached with May last year, which British lawmakers have rejected three times, prompting May to announce her resignation earlier this month. May stepped down as leader of the governing Conservatives on Friday. Johnson, a former foreign secretary in May's cabinet, is popular with ordinary Conservative Party members, who will decide between the two candidates who come top in a series of votes by Conservative lawmakers over the coming weeks. "I always thought it was extraordinary that we should agree to write that entire cheque before having a final deal. In getting a good deal, money is a great solvent and a great lubricant," Johnson told the Sunday Times. Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31 if Parliament does not approve a deal - and the government does not ask the EU for another delay - there risks being major economic disruption from a disorderly departure. Watch: Race to replace Theresa May, Who'll be next? × The 39 billion pounds represents outstanding British liabilities to the EU, which would be paid over a number of years according to the withdrawal agreement negotiated by May. Johnson also said border arrangements with Ireland should be settled only as part of a long-term agreement, rejecting a "backstop" which would avoid checks on Northern Ireland's border but which Conservative lawmakers fear is a backdoor way of requiring Britain to continue to follow EU rules after Brexit. The EU has said guarantees to keep the border open between Ireland and Northern Ireland are an essential part of the transition agreement. Separately, one of Johnson's rivals, environment minister Michael Gove, said he would scrap the value-added tax (VAT) levied on most goods and services and replace it with a lower US-style sales tax. Gove told the Sunday Telegraph he wanted to use "the opportunity of life outside the EU to look to replace VAT with a lower, simpler sales tax, ensuring our business tax structure is the most competitive in the G20 and reducing marginal tax rates for the poorest families to reward work." VAT is one of Britain's main taxes, which the government expects to raise 137 billion pounds this year. Another leadership contender, Sajid Javid, said he was willing to pay Ireland hundreds of millions of pounds towards the cost of new border arrangements to facilitate a Brexit deal.

UK’s Boris Johnson threatens to withhold $50 billion Brexit payment

Former UK foreign minister Boris Johnson's bid to succeed Theresa May as prime minister received a big boost Friday when a London court quashed his summons to answer charges that he lied during the Brexit referendum campaign.

His lawyers claimed that the private prosecution was "politically motivated" and had no precedent in common law.

The two-judge High Court panel said it was persuaded by their case.

The ruling was issued after nearly four hours of hearings into whether Johnson knowingly misleads the nation while arguing in favour of Britain's split from the European Union during the 2016 referendum campaign.

Johnson was both a member of parliament and mayor of London in the run-up to the highly contentious vote.

His most famous claim was that Britain would no longer have to make weekly payments of £350 million ($445 million, 395 million euros) to Brussels.

The case against him argued that he had committed the criminal offence of misconduct in a public office by using his position to knowingly make a false claim.

A district judge at the lower Westminster Magistrates Court in London, after hearing the arguments, decided to summons Johnson to court.

The former minister successfully appealed to England's High Court to overturn the decision.

"We are quashing the decision of the district judge to issue the summonses," judge Michael Supperstone ruled.

The decision left Marcus Ball -- a 29-year-old businessman who crowdfunded to pay for the proceedings against one of Britain's most famous politicians -- bitterly disappointed and contemplating an appeal.

"We've just given the green light to every politician to lie to us about our money forever. That's a terrible idea that I refuse to accept," Ball told reporters outside the court in London.

"Mr Johnson MP, you do not have the right to lie to the public about how their money is being spent. Go on television and tell everybody what the truth is."

£350 million dispute

The £350 million membership price tag represented Britain's gross contribution to the 28-nation EU bloc.

But the net figure is much smaller because it also includes a budget rebate from Brussels as well as payments to Britain's public sector from EU coffers.

The official pro-Brexit campaign emblazoned the £350 million total on its red touring bus during the 2016 EU referendum.

The image became one of the lingering symbols of a campaign that left Britain as divided as it had been before the vote.

Johnson's lawyer Adrian Darbishire argued on Friday that the case was designed to stop Brexit from the start.

"This case, on the face of it, represents political origins... in an area of public life that has never been subject to a court of law," he argued.

"Any form of political motivation is anathema to criminal proceedings."

The two-judge panel overturned the summons.

"It was the conclusion of the court that we were persuaded by Mr Darbishire," said judge Anne Rafferty.

"This quashes the summons," she said on revealing their ruling.

Johnson's campaign

May stepped down as the Conservative Party's leader on Friday and formally triggered the race for a successor -- currently being contested by Johnson and 10 other MPs -- but will remain, prime minister, until a new leader is chosen.

The entire process is expected to be over by the end of next month.

Johnson issued no immediate comment after the ruling and has said little about the case.

But he won support from other Brexit-backing ministers who are rivals for the premiership.

"Very glad to see the court case against Boris Johnson thrown out," interior minister Sajid Javid wrote on Twitter.

Johnson's campaign is built on the promise of getting out of the EU -- with or without a deal -- when the twice-delayed Brexit deadline arrived on October 31.

The pitch is popular among more right-wing rank-and-file Conservatives across the country who will pick the winner from two finalists selected by MPs.

Former UK foreign minister Boris Johnson's bid to succeed Theresa May as prime minister received a big boost Friday when a London court quashed his summons to answer charges that he lied during the Brexit referendum campaign.

Former UK foreign minister Boris Johnson's bid to succeed Theresa May as prime minister received a big boost Friday when a London court quashed his summons to answer charges that he lied during the Brexit referendum campaign. His lawyers claimed that the private prosecution was "politically motivated" and had no precedent in common law. The two-judge High Court panel said it was persuaded by their case. The ruling was issued after nearly four hours of hearings into whether Johnson knowingly misleads the nation while arguing in favour of Britain's split from the European Union during the 2016 referendum campaign. Johnson was both a member of parliament and mayor of London in the run-up to the highly contentious vote. His most famous claim was that Britain would no longer have to make weekly payments of £350 million ($445 million, 395 million euros) to Brussels. The case against him argued that he had committed the criminal offence of misconduct in a public office by using his position to knowingly make a false claim. A district judge at the lower Westminster Magistrates Court in London, after hearing the arguments, decided to summons Johnson to court. The former minister successfully appealed to England's High Court to overturn the decision. "We are quashing the decision of the district judge to issue the summonses," judge Michael Supperstone ruled. The decision left Marcus Ball -- a 29-year-old businessman who crowdfunded to pay for the proceedings against one of Britain's most famous politicians -- bitterly disappointed and contemplating an appeal. "We've just given the green light to every politician to lie to us about our money forever. That's a terrible idea that I refuse to accept," Ball told reporters outside the court in London. "Mr Johnson MP, you do not have the right to lie to the public about how their money is being spent. Go on television and tell everybody what the truth is." £350 million dispute The £350 million membership price tag represented Britain's gross contribution to the 28-nation EU bloc. But the net figure is much smaller because it also includes a budget rebate from Brussels as well as payments to Britain's public sector from EU coffers. The official pro-Brexit campaign emblazoned the £350 million total on its red touring bus during the 2016 EU referendum. The image became one of the lingering symbols of a campaign that left Britain as divided as it had been before the vote. Johnson's lawyer Adrian Darbishire argued on Friday that the case was designed to stop Brexit from the start. "This case, on the face of it, represents political origins... in an area of public life that has never been subject to a court of law," he argued. "Any form of political motivation is anathema to criminal proceedings." The two-judge panel overturned the summons. "It was the conclusion of the court that we were persuaded by Mr Darbishire," said judge Anne Rafferty. "This quashes the summons," she said on revealing their ruling. Johnson's campaign May stepped down as the Conservative Party's leader on Friday and formally triggered the race for a successor -- currently being contested by Johnson and 10 other MPs -- but will remain, prime minister, until a new leader is chosen. The entire process is expected to be over by the end of next month. Johnson issued no immediate comment after the ruling and has said little about the case. But he won support from other Brexit-backing ministers who are rivals for the premiership. "Very glad to see the court case against Boris Johnson thrown out," interior minister Sajid Javid wrote on Twitter. Johnson's campaign is built on the promise of getting out of the EU -- with or without a deal -- when the twice-delayed Brexit deadline arrived on October 31. The pitch is popular among more right-wing rank-and-file Conservatives across the country who will pick the winner from two finalists selected by MPs.

Boris Johnson wins Brexit case hounding his leadership bid

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, cannot win a general election without broadening his appeal to floating voters who instinctively distrust him, Conservative polling specialist Robert Hayward said on Wednesday.

Johnson, 54, a former London mayor and foreign minister, has been rallying support for his leadership bid among Conservative lawmakers and the wider party by saying he is the only candidate who can deliver Brexit and win a national election.

But Hayward, a Conservative member of parliament's upper chamber, told reporters that while the first part of his message - that he can deliver Britain's delayed departure from the European Union - is scoring well with voters, his lack of appeal among so-called middle England could lose him any election.

Referring to recent polls by Delta poll, Opinium and YouGov, Hayward said: "They basically show that a Tory &nbsp;PM or leader can't win without Brexiteers' votes but you can't win without this middle ground."

"It's all very well saying you'll get the Brexit vote but you need others. Therefore I half agree with Boris but he has to complete the sentence, which is that you can't do without the middle ground as well," he said, describing him as "classic Marmite" - a spread that people mostly either love or hate.

More than 10 would-be successors have entered the race to replace May, who announced she was stepping down after failing to deliver Brexit on time. The governing Conservative Party says the contest will be finished by the end of July.&nbsp;

Hayward said Johnson had to win over so-called floating voters, people who do not have strong opinions on either Brexit or remaining in the EU but do want good government, and that many of them were instinctively distrustful of the former mayor.

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, among the favourites to replace May, scored the highest among these voters, he said.

Asked whether Johnson could win over middle England, Hayward said: "He has a lot of work to do."

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, cannot win a general election without broadening his appeal to floating voters who instinctively distrust him, Conservative polling specialist Robert Hayward said on Wednesday.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, cannot win a general election without broadening his appeal to floating voters who instinctively distrust him, Conservative polling specialist Robert Hayward said on Wednesday. Johnson, 54, a former London mayor and foreign minister, has been rallying support for his leadership bid among Conservative lawmakers and the wider party by saying he is the only candidate who can deliver Brexit and win a national election. But Hayward, a Conservative member of parliament's upper chamber, told reporters that while the first part of his message - that he can deliver Britain's delayed departure from the European Union - is scoring well with voters, his lack of appeal among so-called middle England could lose him any election. Referring to recent polls by Delta poll, Opinium and YouGov, Hayward said: "They basically show that a Tory PM or leader can't win without Brexiteers' votes but you can't win without this middle ground." "It's all very well saying you'll get the Brexit vote but you need others. Therefore I half agree with Boris but he has to complete the sentence, which is that you can't do without the middle ground as well," he said, describing him as "classic Marmite" - a spread that people mostly either love or hate. More than 10 would-be successors have entered the race to replace May, who announced she was stepping down after failing to deliver Brexit on time. The governing Conservative Party says the contest will be finished by the end of July. Hayward said Johnson had to win over so-called floating voters, people who do not have strong opinions on either Brexit or remaining in the EU but do want good government, and that many of them were instinctively distrustful of the former mayor. Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, among the favourites to replace May, scored the highest among these voters, he said. Asked whether Johnson could win over middle England, Hayward said: "He has a lot of work to do."

Boris Johnson must broaden appeal to win any United Kingdom election: Pollster

Prime Minister Theresa May's successor should abandon her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">Brexit deal</a> and commit to taking Britain out of the European Union by October 31, an influential pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers said on Wednesday.

May steps down as Conservative leader on Friday and the first round of voting among the party's lawmakers to elect her successor will take place next week.

Several of the 11 candidates have said they will seek changes to her deal, despite the EU saying it will not reopen negotiations.

The European Research Group (ERG), whose opposition to May's deal helped defeat it three times in parliament, said Britain should not propose revising the agreement.

"The Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration have failed absolutely. They are not coming back. The next leader of the Conservative Party needs to know that and act on that basis," ERG Deputy Chairman Steve Baker said.

In a paper titled "A clean managed Brexit" published on Wednesday, the group said the delay to Britain's departure had done severe damage to public trust and posed "an existential threat" to the Conservative Party.

"It must therefore be the unshakable policy of the government to leave the EU by 31 October 2019," it said.

Many of the leadership contenders, including frontrunner Boris Johnson, have said Britain must leave on October 31 with or without a deal, but others have warned more time may be needed to reach an agreement with the EU and that parliament, which opposes a 'no deal', would try and block it.

The ERG paper said leaving without a deal was not its desired outcome but Britain should be prepared to do so and it may be necessary to trade on World Trade Organization terms until a free trade agreement (FTA) could be reached with the EU.

During this time, Britain should offer bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, it said.

"Commencement of negotiation of the EU-UK FTA should be sought as soon as possible after the appointment of a new British Prime Minister, well before the UK departs the EU on 31 October," the paper said.

The group added that the government should not have to pay the 39 billion pound ($49.60 billion) divorce bill if Britain leaves without a deal and could instead use much of that many to mitigate the impact of leaving without an agreement.

Prime Minister Theresa May's successor should abandon her Brexit deal and commit to taking Britain out of the European Union by October 31, an influential pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May's successor should abandon her Brexit deal and commit to taking Britain out of the European Union by October 31, an influential pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers said on Wednesday. May steps down as Conservative leader on Friday and the first round of voting among the party's lawmakers to elect her successor will take place next week. Several of the 11 candidates have said they will seek changes to her deal, despite the EU saying it will not reopen negotiations. The European Research Group (ERG), whose opposition to May's deal helped defeat it three times in parliament, said Britain should not propose revising the agreement. "The Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration have failed absolutely. They are not coming back. The next leader of the Conservative Party needs to know that and act on that basis," ERG Deputy Chairman Steve Baker said. In a paper titled "A clean managed Brexit" published on Wednesday, the group said the delay to Britain's departure had done severe damage to public trust and posed "an existential threat" to the Conservative Party. "It must therefore be the unshakable policy of the government to leave the EU by 31 October 2019," it said. Many of the leadership contenders, including frontrunner Boris Johnson, have said Britain must leave on October 31 with or without a deal, but others have warned more time may be needed to reach an agreement with the EU and that parliament, which opposes a 'no deal', would try and block it. The ERG paper said leaving without a deal was not its desired outcome but Britain should be prepared to do so and it may be necessary to trade on World Trade Organization terms until a free trade agreement (FTA) could be reached with the EU. During this time, Britain should offer bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, it said. "Commencement of negotiation of the EU-UK FTA should be sought as soon as possible after the appointment of a new British Prime Minister, well before the UK departs the EU on 31 October," the paper said. The group added that the government should not have to pay the 39 billion pound ($49.60 billion) divorce bill if Britain leaves without a deal and could instead use much of that many to mitigate the impact of leaving without an agreement.

May's successor must abandon her deal with European Union and leave on October 31: Pro-Brexit group

Candidates vying for Theresa May's job and what they said about Brexit

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-boris-johnson-would-be-very-good-as-next-uk-prime-minister-223289">Britain's next prime minister</a>, promised on Monday to lead the country out of the European Union on October&nbsp;31 with or without an exit deal, launching his leadership bid in a campaign video.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-resigns-as-british-prime-minister-heres-where-it-all-went-wrong-221331">Prime Minister Theresa May is due to resign</a> on Friday having failed to deliver Brexit on schedule. She leaves behind her a divided nation and parliament with no consensus on the way ahead for the world`s fifth largest economy.

Johnson, a former foreign minister who resigned in protest at May's handling of Brexit, is the bookmakers'&nbsp;favourite to win a crowded contest and take over the running of the country at its most important strategic juncture in decades.&nbsp;

"If I get in we'll come out, deal or no deal, on October the 31st," he was seen telling a member of the public in a campaign video released on Twitter.

The launch coincided with the arrival in Britain of US President Donald Trump, who has thrown his weight behind Johnson by saying he would do a "very good job" as British leader.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Race to replace Theresa May; Who will be the next PM?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/race-to-replace-theresa-may-who-will-be-the-next-pm-221854/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The race to replace May has so far focused on candidates` approach to a no-deal exit from the EU - with a clear dividing line between those who would countenance leaving the bloc without a formal transition agreement, and those who say it would be too economically dangerous.

Leadership rival Jeremy Hunt, one of the staunchest opponents of no deal, told the BBC that it should only be used "in extremis" but that he believed he could negotiate a better deal before October&nbsp;31 - the country's current exit date.

CUT TAXES, GET MORE MONEY

Johnson is himself a divisive figure.&nbsp;

Having led the 2016 campaign to leave the EU he is feted by those who see him as a colourful straight-talker, prepared to speak truth to a political establishment that has betrayed swathes of the electorate.

But critics say the former Mayor of London, educated at the exclusive Eton College and Oxford University, is an opportunist member of the political elite seeking to get the top job at any cost. He is due to appear in court over claims he lied during the Brexit referendum campaign - something his lawyers have dismissed as a political stunt.

Monday`s video, featuring clips of Johnson talking to voters and a monologue delivered straight to camera, is his first real salvo in the leadership battle which so far has 13 contenders and could take two months to determine the winner.&nbsp;

In it, he is seen touching on issues known to be important to the 160,000 or so Conservative members who will have the final vote on Britain`s next leader, once the candidate list has been whittled down by Conservative lawmakers.

"Cut some taxes and you get more money in," he tells another member of the public, while also arguing for more investment in education, infrastructure and healthcare.

"Now is the time to unite our society, and unite our country. To build the infrastructure, to invest in education, to improve our environment, and to support our fantastic NHS (National Health Service)," he said.

"To lift everyone in our country, and of course, also to make sure that we support our wealth creators and the businesses that make that investment possible."

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, promised on Monday to lead the country out of the European Union on October 31 with or without an exit deal, launching his leadership bid in a campaign video.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, promised on Monday to lead the country out of the European Union on October 31 with or without an exit deal, launching his leadership bid in a campaign video. Prime Minister Theresa May is due to resign on Friday having failed to deliver Brexit on schedule. She leaves behind her a divided nation and parliament with no consensus on the way ahead for the world`s fifth largest economy. Johnson, a former foreign minister who resigned in protest at May's handling of Brexit, is the bookmakers' favourite to win a crowded contest and take over the running of the country at its most important strategic juncture in decades. "If I get in we'll come out, deal or no deal, on October the 31st," he was seen telling a member of the public in a campaign video released on Twitter. The launch coincided with the arrival in Britain of US President Donald Trump, who has thrown his weight behind Johnson by saying he would do a "very good job" as British leader. Watch: Race to replace Theresa May; Who will be the next PM? The race to replace May has so far focused on candidates` approach to a no-deal exit from the EU - with a clear dividing line between those who would countenance leaving the bloc without a formal transition agreement, and those who say it would be too economically dangerous. Leadership rival Jeremy Hunt, one of the staunchest opponents of no deal, told the BBC that it should only be used "in extremis" but that he believed he could negotiate a better deal before October 31 - the country's current exit date. CUT TAXES, GET MORE MONEY Johnson is himself a divisive figure. Having led the 2016 campaign to leave the EU he is feted by those who see him as a colourful straight-talker, prepared to speak truth to a political establishment that has betrayed swathes of the electorate. But critics say the former Mayor of London, educated at the exclusive Eton College and Oxford University, is an opportunist member of the political elite seeking to get the top job at any cost. He is due to appear in court over claims he lied during the Brexit referendum campaign - something his lawyers have dismissed as a political stunt. Monday`s video, featuring clips of Johnson talking to voters and a monologue delivered straight to camera, is his first real salvo in the leadership battle which so far has 13 contenders and could take two months to determine the winner. In it, he is seen touching on issues known to be important to the 160,000 or so Conservative members who will have the final vote on Britain`s next leader, once the candidate list has been whittled down by Conservative lawmakers. "Cut some taxes and you get more money in," he tells another member of the public, while also arguing for more investment in education, infrastructure and healthcare. "Now is the time to unite our society, and unite our country. To build the infrastructure, to invest in education, to improve our environment, and to support our fantastic NHS (National Health Service)," he said. "To lift everyone in our country, and of course, also to make sure that we support our wealth creators and the businesses that make that investment possible."

Deal or no deal, we leave European Union on October 31: UK PM candidate Boris Johnson

US President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Boris Johnson's campaign to be Britain's next prime minister and urged all candidates to pledge to boost defence spending, in a striking intervention ahead of his state visit next week.

"I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent," Trump told the Sun newspaper about the former foreign secretary and leading Brexit campaigner, who is a front runner to succeed Theresa May as head of the Conservative Party.

Trump arrives in Britain on Monday for a three-day state visit at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth before attending World War Two commemorations in France and visiting Ireland.

He told the Sun that other Conservative lawmakers had sought his endorsement - though not environment minister Michael Gove, who has criticised his stance on Iran.

Trump also praised foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt's pledge to increase British defence spending.

"Yup. Like him," Trump said when asked about Hunt. "The UK should be able to defend themselves. It's a great and very special place," he said, noting that higher British defence spending could boost exports of U.S. military equipment.

Trump praised Johnson on his last visit to Britain in July 2018, saying that he thought Johnson had the skills needed to be prime minister, shortly after Johnson resigned in protest at May's handling of Brexit.

After failing three times this year to get parliament to back her plan for leaving the European Union, May said last week that she would step down as Conservative Party leader on June 7 to open the way for a contest to succeed her.

Most of the frontrunners are expected to push for a cleaner break with the European Union.

Trump criticised Britain's handling of Brexit talks, telling the Sun that "the UK allowed the European Union to have all the cards", though he added that he still had respect for May.

The two leaders will meet at May's Downing Street residence in central London on Tuesday when talks will cover their differences over how to manage the security risks posed by Iran's nuclear programme and Chinese tech company Huawei.

Trump will also spend time with Queen Elizabeth and her heir, Prince Charles, but is not scheduled to meet younger royals including the queen's grandson Prince Harry and his new American wife Meghan Markle.

Asked about criticism from Markle during the 2016 election campaign, Trump denied having noticed it.

"I didn’t know that she was nasty," he said. But he wished her well in her new life as a princess. "I am sure she will do excellently," he told the Sun.

US President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Boris Johnson's campaign to be Britain's next prime minister and urged all candidates to pledge to boost defence spending, in a striking intervention ahead of his state visit next week.

US President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Boris Johnson's campaign to be Britain's next prime minister and urged all candidates to pledge to boost defence spending, in a striking intervention ahead of his state visit next week. "I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent," Trump told the Sun newspaper about the former foreign secretary and leading Brexit campaigner, who is a front runner to succeed Theresa May as head of the Conservative Party. Trump arrives in Britain on Monday for a three-day state visit at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth before attending World War Two commemorations in France and visiting Ireland. He told the Sun that other Conservative lawmakers had sought his endorsement - though not environment minister Michael Gove, who has criticised his stance on Iran. Trump also praised foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt's pledge to increase British defence spending. "Yup. Like him," Trump said when asked about Hunt. "The UK should be able to defend themselves. It's a great and very special place," he said, noting that higher British defence spending could boost exports of U.S. military equipment. Trump praised Johnson on his last visit to Britain in July 2018, saying that he thought Johnson had the skills needed to be prime minister, shortly after Johnson resigned in protest at May's handling of Brexit. After failing three times this year to get parliament to back her plan for leaving the European Union, May said last week that she would step down as Conservative Party leader on June 7 to open the way for a contest to succeed her. Most of the frontrunners are expected to push for a cleaner break with the European Union. Trump criticised Britain's handling of Brexit talks, telling the Sun that "the UK allowed the European Union to have all the cards", though he added that he still had respect for May. The two leaders will meet at May's Downing Street residence in central London on Tuesday when talks will cover their differences over how to manage the security risks posed by Iran's nuclear programme and Chinese tech company Huawei. Trump will also spend time with Queen Elizabeth and her heir, Prince Charles, but is not scheduled to meet younger royals including the queen's grandson Prince Harry and his new American wife Meghan Markle. Asked about criticism from Markle during the 2016 election campaign, Trump denied having noticed it. "I didn’t know that she was nasty," he said. But he wished her well in her new life as a princess. "I am sure she will do excellently," he told the Sun.

Trump says Boris Johnson would be 'very good' as next UK prime minister

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, must attend court over allegations that he knowingly lied during campaigning for the Brexit referendum, a judge announced Wednesday.

Johnson, the former foreign secretary, will be summoned to appear before a London court to face allegations of misconduct in public office, judge Margot Coleman said in a written decision without specifying the date. The private prosecution is being brought over the 2016 claim that Britain sends GBP 350 million ($440 million, 400 million euros) a week to the European Union.

The decision follows a hearing last week at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, during which lawyers for businessman Marcus Ball, who crowd-funded the bid, lodged an application to summon Johnson.&nbsp;

"The allegations which have been made are unproven accusations and I do not make any findings of fact. Having considered all the relevant factors I am satisfied that this is a proper case to issue the summons as requested for the three offences as drafted. This means the proposed defendant will be required to attend this court for a preliminary hearing, and the case will then be sent to the crown court for trial. The charges can only be dealt with in the crown court," Coleman said.

Johnson, a former London mayor, is running to replace Theresa May as leader of the governing Conservative Party, and therefore prime minister. Johnson was not present at last week's hearing, but his lawyer Adrian Darbishire said the pro-Brexit figurehead staunchly denied acting in an improper or dishonest manner. The maximum penalty for misconduct in public office is life imprisonment.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, must attend court over allegations that he knowingly lied during campaigning for the Brexit referendum, a judge announced Wednesday.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, must attend court over allegations that he knowingly lied during campaigning for the Brexit referendum, a judge announced Wednesday. Johnson, the former foreign secretary, will be summoned to appear before a London court to face allegations of misconduct in public office, judge Margot Coleman said in a written decision without specifying the date. The private prosecution is being brought over the 2016 claim that Britain sends GBP 350 million ($440 million, 400 million euros) a week to the European Union. The decision follows a hearing last week at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, during which lawyers for businessman Marcus Ball, who crowd-funded the bid, lodged an application to summon Johnson. "The allegations which have been made are unproven accusations and I do not make any findings of fact. Having considered all the relevant factors I am satisfied that this is a proper case to issue the summons as requested for the three offences as drafted. This means the proposed defendant will be required to attend this court for a preliminary hearing, and the case will then be sent to the crown court for trial. The charges can only be dealt with in the crown court," Coleman said. Johnson, a former London mayor, is running to replace Theresa May as leader of the governing Conservative Party, and therefore prime minister. Johnson was not present at last week's hearing, but his lawyer Adrian Darbishire said the pro-Brexit figurehead staunchly denied acting in an improper or dishonest manner. The maximum penalty for misconduct in public office is life imprisonment.

British PM race top horse Boris Johnson faces court hearing for Brexit 'lies'

Theresa May will resign on June 7 and set the timetable to elect a new Conservative leader. Watch the full video to know more.

Will Boris Johnson be the next UK PM?

The race to become Britain's next premier opened in earnest Saturday with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-annouces-resignation-over-brexit-deal-221263">Theresa May failed</a> and finally pull the divided country out of the EU.

But European leaders insisted they had made their final offer after months of acrimonious talks that produced an unpopular compromise for which May ended up paying with her job.

May is bowing out with her legacy in tatters and the country in agony over what to do about the voters' decision in 2016 to abandon the European integration project after nearly 50 years.

The markets view the risk of Britain crashing out of the EU bloc when the twice-delayed departure date arrives on October 31 as uncomfortably high.

Their main concern is that some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-to-replace-theresa-may-leaves-brexit-in-limbo-221489">current frontrunners</a> to head May's Conservative Party say they will get Brexit done at any cost.

"We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal," former foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-boris-johnson-lied-in-brexit-campaign-court-hears-221247">Boris Johnson</a> said Friday in Switzerland.

Johnson's main challenges will come from former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab -- viewed as an even more committed eurosceptic -- and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Both declared their candidacies in the Sunday papers.

Raab wrote in The Mail on Sunday that "I would prefer that we leave with a deal".

But "we will not be taken seriously in Brussels unless we are clear that we will walk away on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms if the EU doesn't budge," Raab stressed.

Hunt had campaigned against Brexit in 2016 but has since reversed his stance.

"What matters is whether you believe in Brexit, not how you voted in 2016," he told The Sunday Times.

"We can never take no-deal off the table but the best way of avoiding it is to make sure you have someone who is capable of negotiating a deal," Britain's top diplomat said.

'Enthusiastic about Brexit'

Brexit-backing Environment Secretary Michael Gove is also expected to throw his hat in the ring in a BBC interview to be aired on Sunday evening.

The Sunday Times said Grove will argue that he has "a better track record" and is more "capable" than the other leading contenders for May's post.

The contest is being held against the backdrop of European Parliament elections that the new Brexit Party of the anti-EU populist Nigel Farage is expected to win with about a third of the vote.

Polls indicate that the Conservatives will be punished for their bickering over Brexit and could finish as low as fifth -- their worst result in a national election.

The candidates are also mindful of a party revolt over May's fateful decision to court the pro-EU opposition with the promise of a second Brexit referendum.

The concession was designed to help ram her withdrawal agreement through parliament on the fourth attempt.

But it won her no converts and sparked a party coup attempt that forced May to walk away before she was pushed out.

This prompted more EU-friendly hopefuls such as Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd to concede Saturday that they stood no chance and would not vie for the job.

"I am conscious the Conservative Party wants someone who they believe is very enthusiastic about Brexit," Rudd told The Daily Telegraph.

Johnson is a popular figure viewed by many Conservatives as their best answer to Farage.

But a long political career that also saw him serve as London's mayor has made him enemies in parliament who will try to block his rise to the top.

Dark horses

Parliamentary party members will begin whittling down the field of contenders to a final two on June 10.

The finalists will then be put to a postal ballot of around 100,000 party members in July.

The field grew further on Saturday when Health Secretary Matt Hancock entered the race with a promise to take a more moderate approach.

Leaving the European Union without an agreement is "not an active policy choice that is available to the next prime minister," Hancock told Sky News.

Hancock is view as one of the dark horses who might make it through a crowded field of more than a dozen names.

International Development Secretary Rory Stewart is also positioning himself as a more consensus-seeking alternative to Johnson.

"It now seems that (Johnson) is coming out for a no-deal Brexit," Stewart told BBC radio.

"I think it would be a huge mistake. Damaging, unnecessary, and I think also dishonest."

Yet neither Hancock nor Stewart would say if they would push ahead with May's current agreement or try to secure added concessions from Brussels. 
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The race to become Britain's next premier opened in earnest Saturday with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where Theresa May failed and finally pull the divided country out of the EU.

The race to become Britain's next premier opened in earnest Saturday with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where Theresa May failed and finally pull the divided country out of the EU. But European leaders insisted they had made their final offer after months of acrimonious talks that produced an unpopular compromise for which May ended up paying with her job. May is bowing out with her legacy in tatters and the country in agony over what to do about the voters' decision in 2016 to abandon the European integration project after nearly 50 years. The markets view the risk of Britain crashing out of the EU bloc when the twice-delayed departure date arrives on October 31 as uncomfortably high. Their main concern is that some of the current frontrunners to head May's Conservative Party say they will get Brexit done at any cost. "We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal," former foreign minister Boris Johnson said Friday in Switzerland. Johnson's main challenges will come from former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab -- viewed as an even more committed eurosceptic -- and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Both declared their candidacies in the Sunday papers. Raab wrote in The Mail on Sunday that "I would prefer that we leave with a deal". But "we will not be taken seriously in Brussels unless we are clear that we will walk away on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms if the EU doesn't budge," Raab stressed. Hunt had campaigned against Brexit in 2016 but has since reversed his stance. "What matters is whether you believe in Brexit, not how you voted in 2016," he told The Sunday Times. "We can never take no-deal off the table but the best way of avoiding it is to make sure you have someone who is capable of negotiating a deal," Britain's top diplomat said. 'Enthusiastic about Brexit' Brexit-backing Environment Secretary Michael Gove is also expected to throw his hat in the ring in a BBC interview to be aired on Sunday evening. The Sunday Times said Grove will argue that he has "a better track record" and is more "capable" than the other leading contenders for May's post. The contest is being held against the backdrop of European Parliament elections that the new Brexit Party of the anti-EU populist Nigel Farage is expected to win with about a third of the vote. Polls indicate that the Conservatives will be punished for their bickering over Brexit and could finish as low as fifth -- their worst result in a national election. The candidates are also mindful of a party revolt over May's fateful decision to court the pro-EU opposition with the promise of a second Brexit referendum. The concession was designed to help ram her withdrawal agreement through parliament on the fourth attempt. But it won her no converts and sparked a party coup attempt that forced May to walk away before she was pushed out. This prompted more EU-friendly hopefuls such as Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd to concede Saturday that they stood no chance and would not vie for the job. "I am conscious the Conservative Party wants someone who they believe is very enthusiastic about Brexit," Rudd told The Daily Telegraph. Johnson is a popular figure viewed by many Conservatives as their best answer to Farage. But a long political career that also saw him serve as London's mayor has made him enemies in parliament who will try to block his rise to the top. Dark horses Parliamentary party members will begin whittling down the field of contenders to a final two on June 10. The finalists will then be put to a postal ballot of around 100,000 party members in July. The field grew further on Saturday when Health Secretary Matt Hancock entered the race with a promise to take a more moderate approach. Leaving the European Union without an agreement is "not an active policy choice that is available to the next prime minister," Hancock told Sky News. Hancock is view as one of the dark horses who might make it through a crowded field of more than a dozen names. International Development Secretary Rory Stewart is also positioning himself as a more consensus-seeking alternative to Johnson. "It now seems that (Johnson) is coming out for a no-deal Brexit," Stewart told BBC radio. "I think it would be a huge mistake. Damaging, unnecessary, and I think also dishonest." Yet neither Hancock nor Stewart would say if they would push ahead with May's current agreement or try to secure added concessions from Brussels.

UK leadership hopefuls vow to succeed where Theresa May failed on Brexit

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