British Prime Minister Liz Truss told the parliament on Wednesday that she is “a fighter not a quitter” as calls for her resignation continue to grow. Truss’ popularity has taken a serious hit after the announcement of unfunded tax cuts resulted in damages to the UK economy.

During the Prime Minister's Questions sessions at the parliament, several Labour Party lawmakers called for her resignation and opposition leader Keir Starmer questioned her on the measures.

“I am a fighter and not a quitter. I have acted in the national interest to make sure that we have economic stability,” Truss responded as the opposition shouted “resign” during her speech.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-inflation-accelerates-to-40-year-high-amid-rising-food-prices-526733">UK inflation accelerates to 40-year high amid rising food prices</a>

The economic measures announced by the former finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng in the mini budget were&nbsp;met with criticism from various financial institutions. The International Monetary Fund also opposed the move as the pound dropped to its lowest against the United States dollar.

In the aftermath of the criticism, Kwarteng was removed as the finance minister and his successor – Jeremy Hunt – announced a complete U-turn. Truss also recognised the impact that the tax cuts had on the British economy and admitted that the measures were a “mistake” by the government.

According to a recent poll conducted by YouGov, Truss’ approval ratings were just 10 per cent while 55 per cent of the people involved in the study wanted her to resign from her position.

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However, foreign secretary James Cleverly asked the public to continue supporting Truss.

“What you’ve got to do is recognize when they’ve happened and have humility to make changes when you see things didn’t go right,” he said according to a report on Reuters.

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British Prime Minister Liz Truss told the parliament on Wednesday that she is “a fighter not a quitter” as calls for her resignation continue to grow. Truss’ popularity has taken a serious hit after the announcement of unfunded tax cuts resulted in damages to the UK economy.

British Prime Minister Liz Truss told the parliament on Wednesday that she is “a fighter not a quitter” as calls for her resignation continue to grow. Truss’ popularity has taken a serious hit after the announcement of unfunded tax cuts resulted in damages to the UK economy. During the Prime Minister's Questions sessions at the parliament, several Labour Party lawmakers called for her resignation and opposition leader Keir Starmer questioned her on the measures. “I am a fighter and not a quitter. I have acted in the national interest to make sure that we have economic stability,” Truss responded as the opposition shouted “resign” during her speech. Also read | UK inflation accelerates to 40-year high amid rising food prices The economic measures announced by the former finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng in the mini budget were met with criticism from various financial institutions. The International Monetary Fund also opposed the move as the pound dropped to its lowest against the United States dollar. In the aftermath of the criticism, Kwarteng was removed as the finance minister and his successor – Jeremy Hunt – announced a complete U-turn. Truss also recognised the impact that the tax cuts had on the British economy and admitted that the measures were a “mistake” by the government. According to a recent poll conducted by YouGov, Truss’ approval ratings were just 10 per cent while 55 per cent of the people involved in the study wanted her to resign from her position. Also read | Donald Trump expected to testify in defamation lawsuit involving rape accuser However, foreign secretary James Cleverly asked the public to continue supporting Truss. “What you’ve got to do is recognize when they’ve happened and have humility to make changes when you see things didn’t go right,” he said according to a report on Reuters.

Liz Truss says 'I am not a quitter' as clamour for her resignation mounts in UK

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt said on Monday that the government will be reversing nearly all the tax cuts announced in the mini-budget. The measures which were introduced by former finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng were met with criticism and uproar from both political and public circles.&nbsp;

Among the measures which will be reversed by the British government, the most important ones are the reliefs on stamp duty paid on house purchases and the control on the rise of the National Insurance.&nbsp;

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The other major measure which may face the axe in the near future is the lowering of the basic rate of income tax which Hunt explained will "indefinitely until economic circumstances allow for it to be cut". &nbsp;

Hunt explained that the scrapping of the measures taken by the Liz Truss government is expected to bring “confidence and stability" while adding that the economy "will always pay its way."&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the mini-budget, the pound fell to the lowest ever against the United States dollar and the tax cuts were criticised by several institutions including the International Monetary Fund.&nbsp;

Hunt also announced that the “energy price guarantee” to both businesses and households will be reconsidered as it is expected to cost the government around $67 million in the next few months.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reports-suggest-tories-are-looking-to-replace-liz-truss-who-will-be-the-next-uk-pm-526060" hreflang="en">Reports suggest Tories are looking to replace Liz Truss. Who could be the next UK PM?</a>

“There will be more difficult decisions I’m afraid on tax and spending,” Hunt told the reporters.&nbsp;

In response to the U-turn, the pound also found its footing on Monday as it jumped by more than one percent. It rose by 1.1 percent to $1.1293 just ahead of Hunt’s crucial announcement.&nbsp;

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British finance minister Jeremy Hunt said on Monday that the government will be reversing nearly all the tax cuts announced in the mini-budget. The measures which were introduced by former finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng were met with criticism and uproar from both political and public circles.

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt said on Monday that the government will be reversing nearly all the tax cuts announced in the mini-budget. The measures which were introduced by former finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng were met with criticism and uproar from both political and public circles. Among the measures which will be reversed by the British government, the most important ones are the reliefs on stamp duty paid on house purchases and the control on the rise of the National Insurance. Also read | Ukraine war: At least three killed in Russian 'kamikaze drones strike' in Kyiv The other major measure which may face the axe in the near future is the lowering of the basic rate of income tax which Hunt explained will "indefinitely until economic circumstances allow for it to be cut". Hunt explained that the scrapping of the measures taken by the Liz Truss government is expected to bring “confidence and stability" while adding that the economy "will always pay its way." In the aftermath of the mini-budget, the pound fell to the lowest ever against the United States dollar and the tax cuts were criticised by several institutions including the International Monetary Fund. Hunt also announced that the “energy price guarantee” to both businesses and households will be reconsidered as it is expected to cost the government around $67 million in the next few months. Also read | Reports suggest Tories are looking to replace Liz Truss. Who could be the next UK PM? “There will be more difficult decisions I’m afraid on tax and spending,” Hunt told the reporters. In response to the U-turn, the pound also found its footing on Monday as it jumped by more than one percent. It rose by 1.1 percent to $1.1293 just ahead of Hunt’s crucial announcement.

UK Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt scraps almost all government tax cut plans

With just a month in office, United Kingdom PM Liz Truss might be on her way out of 10 Downing Street. Rumours are floating that the senior Tory leaders&nbsp;are reportedly planning to replace her with Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt.&nbsp;

<h2>Can Liz Truss truly be replaced this soon?</h2>

Yes. One way is that Truss herself resigns. Another is that senior ministers force her out.&nbsp;

As per Reuters, for this to happen, her cabinet ministers could start resigning, forcing her hand or a vote of confidence among the conservatives can also do the job. However as per the rules, given the very short time she has been in office, this cannot happen right now.

The vote cannot happen till September 2023.

A vote by the opposition can also do the job but this will be subject to a majority vote.

Watch |&nbsp;UK: Liz Truss faces backlash from conservative MPs; Tory MPs plan to rescue party

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<h2>Who can replace Truss?</h2>

While reports indicate that Penny Mordaunt and Rishi Sunak are the candidates that have backing, Guardian puts the number at five. In addition to Sunak and Mordaunt, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and defense secretary Ben Wallace reportedly also stand a chance at being 10 Downing Street's next resident. Sky News adds to the list the newly appointed Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt.

<h2>Rishi Sunak</h2>

The obvious choice. Sunak and Truss had a neck-to-neck competition for the Tory leadership just about a month back.&nbsp;

He has the added advantage of being proven right. During campaigning Sunak repeatedly warned that cutting too many taxes too soon would be dangerous for the economy. This was portrayed by Truss and her followers as "the over-cautious voice of a discredited Treasury orthodoxy". But now, Sunak's concerns have come true, which makes him appear like the safer choice for a leader.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-tory-leaders-making-moves-to-oust-truss-and-replace-her-with-unity-pairing-of-sunak-mordaunt-525855">Senior Tory leaders making moves to oust Truss, replace her with unity pairing of Sunak-Mordaunt</a>

<h2>Penny Mordaunt</h2>

Conservatives have reportedly been discussing replacing Truss with the joint forces of Sunak and Mordaunt.

Another of Truss's competitors in the leadership contest, Mordaunt was touted as the number two choice after Sunak, till Truss took over in the fifth and final round.

<h2>Boris Johnson</h2>

This is a name that not many would expect. While in office just a month or so back, Johnson faced a flurry of scandals, but he still has his share of supporters and a "resurrection" just might happen. As per a Guardian analysis, He had a core of supporters who felt Johnson's departure over the scandals was unfair and their numbers are sure to have grown "as Tory MPs and members grasp for anything that could rescue the party from electoral oblivion".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-politics-live-updates-kwasi-kwarteng-sacked-as-uk-treasury-secy-525437">UK Politics | As it happened: Liz Truss sacks FM Kwasi Kwarteng in a desperate bid to placate chaos</a>

<h2>Michael Gove</h2>

He served in a key position in Truss's predecessor Boris Johnson's cabinet before being sacked.&nbsp;

The former Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recently at a Conservative conference even voiced "suggestions" for Truss.&nbsp;

<h2>Ben Wallace</h2>

The defence secretary, much like Mordaunt is "getting on quietly with the day job as the chaos rages around him, with the same arguable increase in reputation, even by default," writes Peter Walker for Guardian.

Wallace was seen as a successor to Johnson and is a favourite among Tory members.

<h2>Jeremy Hunt</h2>

As Sky News puts it upon being called in to replace Kwasi Kwarteng, Hunt is currently widely seen as the most powerful figure in the government.

However, Hunt himself doesn't think Truss being replaced now is a good idea.&nbsp;

"The worst thing for that would be more political instability at the top - another protracted leadership campaign," he told BBC during an interview on Sunday. 
&nbsp; 
"The prime minister is in charge," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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With just a month in office, United Kingdom PM Liz Truss might be on her way out of 10 Downing Street. Rumours are floating that the senior Tory leaders are reportedly planning to replace her with Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt.

With just a month in office, United Kingdom PM Liz Truss might be on her way out of 10 Downing Street. Rumours are floating that the senior Tory leaders are reportedly planning to replace her with Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt. Can Liz Truss truly be replaced this soon? Yes. One way is that Truss herself resigns. Another is that senior ministers force her out. As per Reuters, for this to happen, her cabinet ministers could start resigning, forcing her hand or a vote of confidence among the conservatives can also do the job. However as per the rules, given the very short time she has been in office, this cannot happen right now. The vote cannot happen till September 2023. A vote by the opposition can also do the job but this will be subject to a majority vote. Watch | UK: Liz Truss faces backlash from conservative MPs; Tory MPs plan to rescue party Who can replace Truss? While reports indicate that Penny Mordaunt and Rishi Sunak are the candidates that have backing, Guardian puts the number at five. In addition to Sunak and Mordaunt, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and defense secretary Ben Wallace reportedly also stand a chance at being 10 Downing Street's next resident. Sky News adds to the list the newly appointed Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt. Rishi Sunak The obvious choice. Sunak and Truss had a neck-to-neck competition for the Tory leadership just about a month back. He has the added advantage of being proven right. During campaigning Sunak repeatedly warned that cutting too many taxes too soon would be dangerous for the economy. This was portrayed by Truss and her followers as "the over-cautious voice of a discredited Treasury orthodoxy". But now, Sunak's concerns have come true, which makes him appear like the safer choice for a leader. Also read | Senior Tory leaders making moves to oust Truss, replace her with unity pairing of Sunak-Mordaunt Penny Mordaunt Conservatives have reportedly been discussing replacing Truss with the joint forces of Sunak and Mordaunt. Another of Truss's competitors in the leadership contest, Mordaunt was touted as the number two choice after Sunak, till Truss took over in the fifth and final round. Boris Johnson This is a name that not many would expect. While in office just a month or so back, Johnson faced a flurry of scandals, but he still has his share of supporters and a "resurrection" just might happen. As per a Guardian analysis, He had a core of supporters who felt Johnson's departure over the scandals was unfair and their numbers are sure to have grown "as Tory MPs and members grasp for anything that could rescue the party from electoral oblivion". Also read | UK Politics | As it happened: Liz Truss sacks FM Kwasi Kwarteng in a desperate bid to placate chaos Michael Gove He served in a key position in Truss's predecessor Boris Johnson's cabinet before being sacked. The former Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recently at a Conservative conference even voiced "suggestions" for Truss. Ben Wallace The defence secretary, much like Mordaunt is "getting on quietly with the day job as the chaos rages around him, with the same arguable increase in reputation, even by default," writes Peter Walker for Guardian. Wallace was seen as a successor to Johnson and is a favourite among Tory members. Jeremy Hunt As Sky News puts it upon being called in to replace Kwasi Kwarteng, Hunt is currently widely seen as the most powerful figure in the government. However, Hunt himself doesn't think Truss being replaced now is a good idea. "The worst thing for that would be more political instability at the top - another protracted leadership campaign," he told BBC during an interview on Sunday. "The prime minister is in charge," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Reports suggest Tories are looking to replace Liz Truss. Who could be the next UK PM?

The UK's newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt admitted that 'tax cuts were a mistake'. He also signaled an increase in taxes in the coming days. The Chancellor's statement signals another policy U-turn by Prime Minister Liz Truss.

'Tax cuts were a mistake,' says UK's new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt

Jeremy Hunt, the newly appointed finance minister of Britain has said that he doesn't want to succeed Prime Minister Liz Truss if she is ousted by the Conservative Party, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;

Concerns for the prime minister have mounted some senior Conservatives are reportedly planning to swiftly remove Truss as the leader and replace her with the pair of Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt.&nbsp;

During an interview with BBC, that broadcast on Sunday, Hunt was asked who was running the government. He replied, "The prime minister is in charge."&nbsp;

He was also asked about the growing calls to replace Truss, Hunt replied that constituents wanted stability. He said, "The worst thing for that would be more political instability at the top - another protracted leadership campaign."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-tory-leaders-making-moves-to-oust-truss-and-replace-her-with-unity-pairing-of-sunak-mordaunt-525855">Senior Tory leaders making moves to oust Truss, replace her with unity pairing of Sunak-Mordaunt</a>&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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When he was addressing the media after he was appointed chancellor of the exchequer, Hunt warned of tax hikes to come. He admitted to "mistakes" made by his short-lived predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng, which led to political turmoil amid the cost of living crisis.&nbsp;

"We will have some very difficult decisions ahead," Hunt told Sky News. he warned that "all government departments" face spending restraint. He added, "And some taxes will not be cut as quickly as people want. Some taxes will go up."&nbsp;

On Friday, Truss sacked Kwarteng and backed off further on the proposed tax cuts, but she is now under pressure from senior Conservative MPs outraged at the party's decline in polls since she took over for Boris Johnson on September 6.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Jeremy Hunt, the newly appointed finance minister of Britain has said that he doesn't want to succeed Prime Minister Liz Truss if she is ousted by the Conservative Party, Bloomberg reported.

Jeremy Hunt, the newly appointed finance minister of Britain has said that he doesn't want to succeed Prime Minister Liz Truss if she is ousted by the Conservative Party, Bloomberg reported. Concerns for the prime minister have mounted some senior Conservatives are reportedly planning to swiftly remove Truss as the leader and replace her with the pair of Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt. During an interview with BBC, that broadcast on Sunday, Hunt was asked who was running the government. He replied, "The prime minister is in charge." He was also asked about the growing calls to replace Truss, Hunt replied that constituents wanted stability. He said, "The worst thing for that would be more political instability at the top - another protracted leadership campaign." ALSO READ | Senior Tory leaders making moves to oust Truss, replace her with unity pairing of Sunak-Mordaunt Watch this report: × When he was addressing the media after he was appointed chancellor of the exchequer, Hunt warned of tax hikes to come. He admitted to "mistakes" made by his short-lived predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng, which led to political turmoil amid the cost of living crisis. "We will have some very difficult decisions ahead," Hunt told Sky News. he warned that "all government departments" face spending restraint. He added, "And some taxes will not be cut as quickly as people want. Some taxes will go up." On Friday, Truss sacked Kwarteng and backed off further on the proposed tax cuts, but she is now under pressure from senior Conservative MPs outraged at the party's decline in polls since she took over for Boris Johnson on September 6. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK finance minister has no desire to succeed Truss, says more political instability would be 'worst thing'

After Prime Minister Liz Truss' initial economic proposals precipitated a collapse in the bond market, Britain's new finance minister, Jeremy Hunt, promised to demonstrate to investors that he would restore the nation's public finances.

"No government can control the markets. No Chancellor should seek to do that," Hunt told BBC television in an interview broadcast on Sunday.

"There is one thing we can do and that's what I'm going to do, which is to show the markets, the world, indeed people watching at home, that we can properly account for every penny of our tax and spending plans."

Since September 23, when Hunt's predecessor as finance minister&nbsp;Kwasi Kwarteng&nbsp; promised a series of unfunded tax cuts, investors have sold a significant amount of British government bonds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-liz-truss-economic-plan-was-a-mistake-says-biden-525756">UK PM Liz Truss' economic plan was a 'mistake', says Joe Biden</a>

Truss, who gained the Conservative Party's leadership less than a month ago on the promise to cut taxes, sacked Kwarteng on Friday and abandoned a significant portion of the plan they had developed together.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-who-is-jeremy-hunt-uks-new-chancellor-of-exchequer-525664">Hunt</a>, though, has stated that he will go farther, including tax rises and tighter controls on public expenditure.

Asked whether he thought financial markets would have confidence in his plans, Hunt told the BBC: "Well, I think, you know, for people trading the markets, actions speak louder than words."

On Monday morning, when trade in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-under-seige-180-hindu-groups-write-a-letter-to-truss-seek-action-for-leicester-attacks-525743">Britain</a>'s battered government bonds starts without the assistance of the Bank of England's emergency bond-buying programme, which concluded on Friday, a first test will take place.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After Prime Minister Liz Truss' initial economic proposals precipitated a collapse in the bond market, Britain's new finance minister, Jeremy Hunt, promised to demonstrate to investors that he would restore the nation's public finances.

After Prime Minister Liz Truss' initial economic proposals precipitated a collapse in the bond market, Britain's new finance minister, Jeremy Hunt, promised to demonstrate to investors that he would restore the nation's public finances. "No government can control the markets. No Chancellor should seek to do that," Hunt told BBC television in an interview broadcast on Sunday. "There is one thing we can do and that's what I'm going to do, which is to show the markets, the world, indeed people watching at home, that we can properly account for every penny of our tax and spending plans." Since September 23, when Hunt's predecessor as finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng promised a series of unfunded tax cuts, investors have sold a significant amount of British government bonds. Also read | UK PM Liz Truss' economic plan was a 'mistake', says Joe Biden Truss, who gained the Conservative Party's leadership less than a month ago on the promise to cut taxes, sacked Kwarteng on Friday and abandoned a significant portion of the plan they had developed together. Hunt, though, has stated that he will go farther, including tax rises and tighter controls on public expenditure. Asked whether he thought financial markets would have confidence in his plans, Hunt told the BBC: "Well, I think, you know, for people trading the markets, actions speak louder than words." On Monday morning, when trade in Britain's battered government bonds starts without the assistance of the Bank of England's emergency bond-buying programme, which concluded on Friday, a first test will take place. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK: Newly appointed finance minister promises to restore the nation's public finances

UK's new chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who was appointed following Kwasi Kwarteng's dismissal Friday, has told Sky News that there "were mistakes" in Liz Truss and Kwarteng's mini-budget. Hunt told the media outlet, "It was a mistake when we were going to be asking for difficult decisions across the board on tax and spending to cut the rate of tax paid by the very wealthiest."

He further said that the decision to "fly blind" was a mistake since the "fiscal event" was not accompanied with an economic forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Financial markets witnessed a huge turmoil which experts attribute to the reason cited by Hunt.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/immersive-timeline-liz-trusss-bid-to-stay-in-power-sacks-finance-minister-kwasi-kwarteng-525586">Immersive timeline: Liz Truss's bid to stay in power</a>

Talking on the matter of tax cuts, Hunt said, "We won't have the speed of tax cuts we were hoping for and some taxes will go up."

"We're going to have to take tough decisions on both spending and tax," he added.

Kwarteng flew into London leaving an IMF meet in Washington early and was sacked soon after Friday. Several Tory MPs have welcomed&nbsp;Hunt's appointment, while others have questioned the decision to sack Kwarteng arguing that he was just pursuing Truss's policies.

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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Liz Truss at a press conference dismissed calls for her resignation, saying she was "absolutely determined to see through what I have promised". She took another U-turn on the matter of taxes and said, "It is clear that parts of our mini-budget went further and faster than markets were expecting, so the way we are delivering our mission right now has to change."

She announced the planned rise in corporation tax from 19 per cent to 25 per cent was being scrapped, saving the exchequer £18 billion a year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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UK's new chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who was appointed following Kwasi Kwarteng's dismissal Friday, has told Sky News that there "were mistakes" in Liz Truss and Kwarteng's mini-budget.

UK's new chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who was appointed following Kwasi Kwarteng's dismissal Friday, has told Sky News that there "were mistakes" in Liz Truss and Kwarteng's mini-budget. Hunt told the media outlet, "It was a mistake when we were going to be asking for difficult decisions across the board on tax and spending to cut the rate of tax paid by the very wealthiest." He further said that the decision to "fly blind" was a mistake since the "fiscal event" was not accompanied with an economic forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Financial markets witnessed a huge turmoil which experts attribute to the reason cited by Hunt. Also Read | Immersive timeline: Liz Truss's bid to stay in power Talking on the matter of tax cuts, Hunt said, "We won't have the speed of tax cuts we were hoping for and some taxes will go up." "We're going to have to take tough decisions on both spending and tax," he added. Kwarteng flew into London leaving an IMF meet in Washington early and was sacked soon after Friday. Several Tory MPs have welcomed Hunt's appointment, while others have questioned the decision to sack Kwarteng arguing that he was just pursuing Truss's policies. × Prime Minister Liz Truss at a press conference dismissed calls for her resignation, saying she was "absolutely determined to see through what I have promised". She took another U-turn on the matter of taxes and said, "It is clear that parts of our mini-budget went further and faster than markets were expecting, so the way we are delivering our mission right now has to change." She announced the planned rise in corporation tax from 19 per cent to 25 per cent was being scrapped, saving the exchequer £18 billion a year. (With inputs from agencies)

New UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt accepts mistakes in 'mini-budget', hints at tough decisions on tax, spending

UK: Jeremy Hunt has now been appointed as Britain's new Chancellor of the Exchequer. He has previously served two important portfolios as the Health Secretary and also the Foreign Secretary. Watch the video to know more about the 55-year-old.

UK: Who is Jeremy Hunt? UK's new Chancellor of Exchequer

Jeremy Hunt, UK’s former health secretary who lost the first round of voting, has said that he is backing former chancellor Rishi Sunak in the race to be Conservative leader and prime minister.

In the last leadership election in 2019, Hunt came second to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In an interview to BBC, Hunt spoke about his defeat saying, “Politics is about momentum, I'm afraid I didn't have it this time.”

When he was asked who he is backing, Hunt named Sunak, saying that he is "one of the most decent people" he had met in British politics.

When further queried, he said that the Indian-born former chancellor was someone of "formidable ability who has been thinking about the right thing to do for our economy, for families up and down the country, very hard over the last two years".

The former minister remained hopeful of the current race saying that it produced an "excellent list of candidates" which proved that the Conservative Party was "modern and outward-looking".

"In a period when we need to rebuild trust with the electorate that shows we are in tune with modern Britain," he said.

Sunak won the first round of voting by MPs to choose the next Conservative leader and prime minister. He got 88 votes.

Trade minister Penny Mordaunt came second (&nbsp;67) and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was palced third (50).

Other rounds of voting are expected to take in the next few days with the remaining candidates Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat and Suella Braverman.

The final two will then be elected through a ballot of Conservative Party members. The result is expected on September 5.

The race for next leadership comes after Johnson announced his resignation last week, months after receiving criticism over lockdown parties in Downing Street and other issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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Jeremy Hunt, UK’s former health secretary who lost the first round of voting, has said that he is backing former chancellor Rishi Sunak in the race to be Conservative leader and prime minister.

Jeremy Hunt, UK’s former health secretary who lost the first round of voting, has said that he is backing former chancellor Rishi Sunak in the race to be Conservative leader and prime minister. In the last leadership election in 2019, Hunt came second to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In an interview to BBC, Hunt spoke about his defeat saying, “Politics is about momentum, I'm afraid I didn't have it this time.” When he was asked who he is backing, Hunt named Sunak, saying that he is "one of the most decent people" he had met in British politics. When further queried, he said that the Indian-born former chancellor was someone of "formidable ability who has been thinking about the right thing to do for our economy, for families up and down the country, very hard over the last two years". The former minister remained hopeful of the current race saying that it produced an "excellent list of candidates" which proved that the Conservative Party was "modern and outward-looking". "In a period when we need to rebuild trust with the electorate that shows we are in tune with modern Britain," he said. Sunak won the first round of voting by MPs to choose the next Conservative leader and prime minister. He got 88 votes. Trade minister Penny Mordaunt came second ( 67) and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was palced third (50). Other rounds of voting are expected to take in the next few days with the remaining candidates Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat and Suella Braverman. The final two will then be elected through a ballot of Conservative Party members. The result is expected on September 5. The race for next leadership comes after Johnson announced his resignation last week, months after receiving criticism over lockdown parties in Downing Street and other issues. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK leadership hunt: Tory leader Jeremy Hunt backs Rishi Sunak for PM

Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary of the United Kingdom, revealed that he had cancer but now he has recovered, UK media outlets reported. He said that "every member of his family" has had the disease and noted that he had "a minor one".&nbsp;

Hunt revealed the news as he prepares to take part in the Race for Life charity run. The 55-year-old is set to take part in a 5km race to raise money for cancer charities. During the run, he will be joined by cancer survivor Rod Pluthero, 73. A Tory MP Angela Richardson, 47, will also join him.&nbsp;

The Conservative MP for South West Surrey, as quoted by The Guardian, said: "I have had a minor one myself which has fortunately been resolved. So it's touched my family very dramatically and I know it has touched many many families."&nbsp;

Hunt added that his work on the select committee has shown him that there are a lot of things that can be done to improve the cancer survival rates. "They are getting better but the more we can do to raise money and raise awareness, the more lives we'll save," he added.&nbsp;

Richardson said as quoted by the website said, "There will be few of us who have been untouched by cancer – with one in two people now developing it at some stage of our lives, research into successful treatments and prevention of the disease is an overwhelming health priority."&nbsp;

Richardson, who represents the Guildford constituency, further added that it's his "pleasure" to be able to join Hunt at the Race for Life. Richardson also hailed themselves for taking forward the campaign together to allow the best "possible outcomes" for cancer patients in the future.&nbsp;

Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary of the United Kingdom, revealed that he had cancer but now he has recovered, UK media outlets reported. He said that "every member of his family" has had the disease and noted that he had "a minor one".

Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary of the United Kingdom, revealed that he had cancer but now he has recovered, UK media outlets reported. He said that "every member of his family" has had the disease and noted that he had "a minor one". Hunt revealed the news as he prepares to take part in the Race for Life charity run. The 55-year-old is set to take part in a 5km race to raise money for cancer charities. During the run, he will be joined by cancer survivor Rod Pluthero, 73. A Tory MP Angela Richardson, 47, will also join him. The Conservative MP for South West Surrey, as quoted by The Guardian, said: "I have had a minor one myself which has fortunately been resolved. So it's touched my family very dramatically and I know it has touched many many families." Hunt added that his work on the select committee has shown him that there are a lot of things that can be done to improve the cancer survival rates. "They are getting better but the more we can do to raise money and raise awareness, the more lives we'll save," he added. Richardson said as quoted by the website said, "There will be few of us who have been untouched by cancer – with one in two people now developing it at some stage of our lives, research into successful treatments and prevention of the disease is an overwhelming health priority." Richardson, who represents the Guildford constituency, further added that it's his "pleasure" to be able to join Hunt at the Race for Life. Richardson also hailed themselves for taking forward the campaign together to allow the best "possible outcomes" for cancer patients in the future.

UK: Conservative MP Jeremy Hunt reveals he had cancer

Who is Boris Johnson? Brexit warrior, Trump's friend & China's frenemy

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-sacks-jeremy-hunt-as-foreign-secretary-several-ministers-resign-238269">as finance minister </a>in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday.

Javid, a former banker from a modest background, was a contender for the premiership but endorsed Johnson when he failed to get enough support from fellow Conservative MPs.

Before he took office, several pro-European ministers quit in protest at his threat of a "no deal" Brexit, fearing the economic consequences among them were de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers.

Johnson sacked Jeremy Hunt who challenged him to the prime minister's&nbsp;office.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn challenged Johnson to call a general election, saying he "has no mandate from the people".

In a speech in Downing Street, Johnson repeated that he would prepare <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">to leave the EU</a> without an agreement with Brussels but suggested this was a "remote possibility".

In typically upbeat fashion, Johnson insisted he could find a way through and unite the country.

"We are going to fulfil the repeated promises of parliament to the people and come out of the EU on October 31, no ifs or buts," he declared.

Watched by his girlfriend Carrie Symonds, the former London mayor said "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters are going to get it wrong again".

But he added: "It is of course vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no-deal."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond as finance minister in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond as finance minister in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday. Javid, a former banker from a modest background, was a contender for the premiership but endorsed Johnson when he failed to get enough support from fellow Conservative MPs. Before he took office, several pro-European ministers quit in protest at his threat of a "no deal" Brexit, fearing the economic consequences among them were de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers. Johnson sacked Jeremy Hunt who challenged him to the prime minister's office. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn challenged Johnson to call a general election, saying he "has no mandate from the people". In a speech in Downing Street, Johnson repeated that he would prepare to leave the EU without an agreement with Brussels but suggested this was a "remote possibility". In typically upbeat fashion, Johnson insisted he could find a way through and unite the country. "We are going to fulfil the repeated promises of parliament to the people and come out of the EU on October 31, no ifs or buts," he declared. Watched by his girlfriend Carrie Symonds, the former London mayor said "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters are going to get it wrong again". But he added: "It is of course vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no-deal."

PM Johnson names Sajid Javid as Britain's new finance minister

New British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">Boris Johnson sacked</a> foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet.

Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily.

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1/4 I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team. BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet &amp; over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt/status/1154073618244128768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Britain's de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington also resigned from the government ahead of Boris Johnson being appointed prime minister.

"I wrote to @BorisJohnson yesterday to congratulate him on his election, to wish him well &amp; to say I've decided that after 20 yrs on the front bench it's the right moment to move on," Lidington said on Twitter.

He joins the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, international development secretary Rory Stewart and justice minister David Gauke in resigning from the cabinet.

Meanwhile, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers.

"I'm heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support," Mordaunt, a Brexit supporter who backed Johnson's opponent Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race, said on Twitter. She had also been serving as Women and Equalities minister.

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I’m heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support, as will my successors at <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceHQ</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/WomenEqualities?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WomenEqualities</a> 
Thank you to everyone who’s helped me get things done, especially our Armed Forces and civilians in defence for the last 85 days. We achieved much🇬🇧
— Penny Mordaunt MP (@PennyMordaunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/PennyMordaunt/status/1154054783835107328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet. Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily.

New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet. Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily. 1/4 I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team. BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet & over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 24, 2019 × Britain's de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington also resigned from the government ahead of Boris Johnson being appointed prime minister. "I wrote to @BorisJohnson yesterday to congratulate him on his election, to wish him well & to say I've decided that after 20 yrs on the front bench it's the right moment to move on," Lidington said on Twitter. He joins the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, international development secretary Rory Stewart and justice minister David Gauke in resigning from the cabinet. Meanwhile, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers. "I'm heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support," Mordaunt, a Brexit supporter who backed Johnson's opponent Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race, said on Twitter. She had also been serving as Women and Equalities minister. I’m heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support, as will my successors at @DefenceHQ & @WomenEqualities Thank you to everyone who’s helped me get things done, especially our Armed Forces and civilians in defence for the last 85 days. We achieved much🇬🇧 — Penny Mordaunt MP (@PennyMordaunt) July 24, 2019 ×

PM Johnson sacks Jeremy Hunt as foreign secretary, several ministers resign

Britain on Monday said it was planning a European-led protection force for shipping in the Gulf after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned Iran's actions as "state piracy" while at the same time emphasising that Britain did not want confrontation.

"We will seek to establish this mission as quickly as possible," Hunt said, adding that a second warship that Britain has sent to the region would arrive by July 29.

In a ramping up of tensions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Stena Impero on Friday in the Gulf's strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The move came two weeks after British authorities seized an Iranian tanker off its overseas territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of breaching EU sanctions against Syria against a backdrop of brinkmanship between Washington and Tehran.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his country is not seeking confrontation with Britain in a message directed at its likely incoming leader Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

"It is very important for Boris Johnson as he enters 10 Downing Street to understand that Iran does not seek confrontation, that Iran wants normal relations based on mutual respect," Zarif told reporters during a visit to Nicaragua.

He also accused Britain "of doing the bidding for the Trump administration".

Hunt told Parliament that the protection force "will not be part of the US maximum pressure policy on Iran because we remain committed to preserving the Iran nuclear agreement".

The United States pulled out of the nuclear deal last year.

Iran impounded the tanker after claiming it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat.

However, Britain has said there was no evidence of a collision and said the vessel was in Omani waters, with its transponder switched on.

The EU has already expressed its "deep concern" at the move and on Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: "We don't want any further escalation."

There have been a number of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since May when the United States boosted its military presence in response to what it called indications of a "credible threat" from Iran.

The British government had warned its ships to avoid the shipping channel, a chokepoint for about a third of the world's sea-borne oil.

Hunt said the volume of shipping made it impossible to protect every vessel individually.

Questions are being asked in London about why the government was not more proactive in protecting ships after the Gibraltar incident, which provoked fury and a threat of retaliation in Tehran.

The stand-off comes at a sensitive time for Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on Wednesday over her failure to deliver Brexit.

Former foreign minister Johnson is the overwhelming favourite to replace her and there have been calls for stronger action against Iran, such as financial sanctions.

Oil prices jumped Monday on fresh concerns about supplies and possible conflict in the crude-rich Middle East.

ran impounded the tanker after claiming it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat.

However, Britain has said there was no evidence of a collision and said the vessel was in Omani waters, with its transponder switched on.

The EU has already expressed its "deep concern" at the move and on Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: "We don't want any further escalation."

There have been a number of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since May when the United States boosted its military presence in response to what it called indications of a "credible threat" from Iran.

The British government had warned its ships to avoid the shipping channel, a chokepoint for about a third of the world's sea-borne oil.

Hunt said the volume of shipping made it impossible to protect every vessel individually.

Questions are being asked in London about why the government was not more proactive in protecting ships after the Gibraltar incident, which provoked fury and a threat of retaliation in Tehran.

The stand-off comes at a sensitive time for Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on Wednesday over her failure to deliver Brexit.

Iranian authorities have said the crew of the British-flagged tanker -- 18 Indians, including the captain, three Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino -- are all in good health.

The fate of the Stena Impero depends on an investigation into its alleged breach of international maritime rules, they added.

The incident on Friday began hours after a court in the tiny British territory of Gibraltar extended by 30 days the detention of the Iranian-chartered tanker, Grace 1, which was seized on July 4.

"To all the countries that are calling on Iran to release the tanker, we ask them to tell Britain the same thing," the Iranian spokesman said on Monday.

Hunt has said Britain wants sufficient guarantees that the oil was not bound for Syria.

The incidents come amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have left European nations caught in the middle.

In May 2018, President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the landmark 2015 deal that put curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Britain, France and Germany were also signatories and have been trying to keep the deal alive.

The US administration reimposed tough sanctions on Iran, which has retaliated by increasing its enrichment of uranium beyond limits set in the nuclear accord.

Last month, Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed a US drone.

Britain on Monday said it was planning a European-led protection force for shipping in the Gulf after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region.

Britain on Monday said it was planning a European-led protection force for shipping in the Gulf after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt condemned Iran's actions as "state piracy" while at the same time emphasising that Britain did not want confrontation. "We will seek to establish this mission as quickly as possible," Hunt said, adding that a second warship that Britain has sent to the region would arrive by July 29. In a ramping up of tensions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Stena Impero on Friday in the Gulf's strategic Strait of Hormuz. The move came two weeks after British authorities seized an Iranian tanker off its overseas territory of Gibraltar on suspicion of breaching EU sanctions against Syria against a backdrop of brinkmanship between Washington and Tehran. On Monday, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his country is not seeking confrontation with Britain in a message directed at its likely incoming leader Boris Johnson. "It is very important for Boris Johnson as he enters 10 Downing Street to understand that Iran does not seek confrontation, that Iran wants normal relations based on mutual respect," Zarif told reporters during a visit to Nicaragua. He also accused Britain "of doing the bidding for the Trump administration". Hunt told Parliament that the protection force "will not be part of the US maximum pressure policy on Iran because we remain committed to preserving the Iran nuclear agreement". The United States pulled out of the nuclear deal last year. Iran impounded the tanker after claiming it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat. However, Britain has said there was no evidence of a collision and said the vessel was in Omani waters, with its transponder switched on. The EU has already expressed its "deep concern" at the move and on Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: "We don't want any further escalation." There have been a number of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since May when the United States boosted its military presence in response to what it called indications of a "credible threat" from Iran. The British government had warned its ships to avoid the shipping channel, a chokepoint for about a third of the world's sea-borne oil. Hunt said the volume of shipping made it impossible to protect every vessel individually. Questions are being asked in London about why the government was not more proactive in protecting ships after the Gibraltar incident, which provoked fury and a threat of retaliation in Tehran. The stand-off comes at a sensitive time for Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on Wednesday over her failure to deliver Brexit. Former foreign minister Johnson is the overwhelming favourite to replace her and there have been calls for stronger action against Iran, such as financial sanctions. Oil prices jumped Monday on fresh concerns about supplies and possible conflict in the crude-rich Middle East. ran impounded the tanker after claiming it failed to respond to distress calls and turned off its transponder after hitting a fishing boat. However, Britain has said there was no evidence of a collision and said the vessel was in Omani waters, with its transponder switched on. The EU has already expressed its "deep concern" at the move and on Monday German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: "We don't want any further escalation." There have been a number of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since May when the United States boosted its military presence in response to what it called indications of a "credible threat" from Iran. The British government had warned its ships to avoid the shipping channel, a chokepoint for about a third of the world's sea-borne oil. Hunt said the volume of shipping made it impossible to protect every vessel individually. Questions are being asked in London about why the government was not more proactive in protecting ships after the Gibraltar incident, which provoked fury and a threat of retaliation in Tehran. The stand-off comes at a sensitive time for Britain, with Prime Minister Theresa May stepping down on Wednesday over her failure to deliver Brexit. Iranian authorities have said the crew of the British-flagged tanker -- 18 Indians, including the captain, three Russians, a Latvian and a Filipino -- are all in good health. The fate of the Stena Impero depends on an investigation into its alleged breach of international maritime rules, they added. The incident on Friday began hours after a court in the tiny British territory of Gibraltar extended by 30 days the detention of the Iranian-chartered tanker, Grace 1, which was seized on July 4. "To all the countries that are calling on Iran to release the tanker, we ask them to tell Britain the same thing," the Iranian spokesman said on Monday. Hunt has said Britain wants sufficient guarantees that the oil was not bound for Syria. The incidents come amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have left European nations caught in the middle. In May 2018, President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the landmark 2015 deal that put curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Britain, France and Germany were also signatories and have been trying to keep the deal alive. The US administration reimposed tough sanctions on Iran, which has retaliated by increasing its enrichment of uranium beyond limits set in the nuclear accord. Last month, Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed a US drone.

Britain plans European-led Gulf force after tanker seizure

Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, is in the final leg of battle on Monday (July 22) with Jeremy Hunt to become the ruling Conservative party's leader and Britain's next prime minister. Johnson and Hunt are locked in a battle to succeed Theresa May, who resigned as prime minister after failing three times to get parliamentary approval for a withdrawal deal for Britain's exit from the European Union. Whoever takes over will have the job not only of trying to steer Britain out of the EU by the next deadline, October 31, but dealing with a raft of challenges from an unpredictable U.S. president to mounting tensions with Iran.

Johnson in final leg of battle with Hunt to become UK PM

Conservative Party today announced<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944"> Boris Johnson as their new leader</a>&nbsp;after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Johnson will takeover as Britain's prime minister on July 24. Johnson had said during his campaign that Britain will pull out of the European Union&nbsp;on October 31, even if a deal is not struck with EU&nbsp;leaders.&nbsp;160,000 Conservative Party workers had voted for the PM candidate.

Prime Minister Theresa May will leave office on Wednesday after going to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;before he enters Downing Street.

Addressing the Conservative Party leaders, Johnson said he was "privileged to be elected leader". "Campaign is over, work will begin now," he told Conservative leaders.

"We need to work together on Brexit," the new Conservative Party leader said. "Fantastic, well-organised campaign.&nbsp;I want to begin by thanking my opponent Jeremy Hunt.&nbsp;A great leader.&nbsp;You've been friendly and good natured, you have great ideas," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Many congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> on being elected leader of <a href="https://twitter.com/Conservatives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Conservatives</a> - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) <a href="https://twitter.com/theresa_may/status/1153622066157015041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I want to thank Theresa May for serving this party and this country," he said," adding, "It was a privilege to serve in her cabinet to see the passion that she brought it."

"Thank you, Theresa, thank you," Johnson added.

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister. Johnson will takeover as Britain's prime minister on July 24. Johnson had said during his campaign that Britain will pull out of the European Union on October 31, even if a deal is not struck with EU leaders. 160,000 Conservative Party workers had voted for the PM candidate. Prime Minister Theresa May will leave office on Wednesday after going to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint Johnson before he enters Downing Street. Addressing the Conservative Party leaders, Johnson said he was "privileged to be elected leader". "Campaign is over, work will begin now," he told Conservative leaders. "We need to work together on Brexit," the new Conservative Party leader said. "Fantastic, well-organised campaign. I want to begin by thanking my opponent Jeremy Hunt. A great leader. You've been friendly and good natured, you have great ideas," he said. Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 23, 2019 × "I want to thank Theresa May for serving this party and this country," he said," adding, "It was a privilege to serve in her cabinet to see the passion that she brought it." "Thank you, Theresa, thank you," Johnson added.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM

New UK PM to be announced today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-bracing-to-become-britains-brexit-prime-minister-237375">Britain's next prime minister</a> will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament.

The winner of the Conservative party leadership contest will be announced on Tuesday and should take office as prime minister on Wednesday.

Boris Johnson, leader of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, is the front-runner to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-quits-as-party-leader-starting-succession-race-225177">Theresa May</a>. His rival is Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who voted "remain" in the Brexit referendum but has repeatedly promised to take Britain out of the EU.

Below are the most urgent tasks the winner will have to tackle:

1) Governing

To <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-urges-european-union-to-reopen-withdrawal-deal-talks-234121">deliver Brexit</a>, one of the most divisive policies in decades, the new premier will have to show he can win votes in parliament and govern after three years of political crisis.

But he could face a vote of no confidence in the 650-seat parliament as early as his second day in office if the main opposition Labour Party calls one.

On its own, the ruling Conservative Party does not have the majority needed for the new prime minister to survive such a vote, relying under May on the support of 10 allied Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lawmakers to govern.

Even if the DUP backed the new prime minister in a confidence vote, a handful of Conservative lawmakers have threatened to vote against their party if Britain looks set for a no-deal Brexit.

Failure to clear this first hurdle would collapse the government and could trigger a general election.

2) Brexit

Both Hunt and Johnson want to renegotiate a new deal with the EU, ditching parts of the accord May struck with Brussels last year, which was rejected by parliament three times.

The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the legally binding part of that deal, the 'Withdrawal Agreement' which sets out a transition period to smooth Britain's exit.

The problem for the next prime minister is that the withdrawal agreement contains the most contentious part of the exit deal an insurance policy to prevent border controls between EU member Ireland and British province Northern Ireland.

EU negotiators are ready to explore several options with the new prime minister, but these fall well short of what Johnson and Hunt say they want.

Hunt and Johnson want to ditch the so-called backstop; the EU says it has to stay.

If Britain cannot negotiate a new deal, or parliament rejects whatever the new leader brings back from Brussels, the country will be headed for an unmanaged exit from the EU a so-called no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31.

Johnson and Hunt both say they have to make sure Britain is fully prepared for such an outcome because it is an important negotiating tool and they cannot rule out that it may happen.

Britain had conducted substantial work toward preparing for no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29, but as the date approached many expressed concern that those preparations were incomplete and had stagnated.

3) Trump and the United States

The new prime minister will need a good relationship with the United States, Britain's closest military ally and a major export market, to help mitigate any impact of stepping away from the EU its biggest trading partner.

But relations between Britain and the United States have suffered in recent weeks after the leak of confidential memos from the British ambassador to Washington which reportedly described Donald Trump's administration as inept.

How the new leader moves on from the spat which saw Trump respond angrily and the ambassador resigns could set the tone for transatlantic ties during a critical period for Britain.

Both sides say they want to agree on a swift and comprehensive free trade agreement after Britain leaves the EU, but political will is likely to determine how quickly that can be done.

4) Iran and China

The United States and European allies are pulling in different directions over the best approach to Iran's nuclear programme, leaving Britain with a difficult choice about who to align with.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, in apparent retaliation for the British capture of an Iranian tanker two weeks earlier.

Allies are watching closely to see whether the new British leader will move towards the United States and away from the EU over Iran policy.

The new prime minister will also have to decide what role Chinese technology firm Huawei will be given in British communications infrastructure, with Trump warning that the security risks are high and could endanger intelligence ties.

That decision could also set the course of relations with China, one of Britain's top targets when it comes to building stronger trading ties outside the EU.

5) Beyond Brexit

While the next prime minister's first test will be to deliver Brexit, he will have to craft a viable long-term vision of post-Brexit Britain that can win over voters, investors and international allies.

Ultimately, the new leader will have to decide what sort of economy the United Kingdom wants and how it will pitch that to the world while choosing between aligning with either European or American regulations.

Britain's next prime minister will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament.

Britain's next prime minister will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament. The winner of the Conservative party leadership contest will be announced on Tuesday and should take office as prime minister on Wednesday. Boris Johnson, leader of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, is the front-runner to succeed Theresa May. His rival is Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who voted "remain" in the Brexit referendum but has repeatedly promised to take Britain out of the EU. Below are the most urgent tasks the winner will have to tackle: 1) Governing To deliver Brexit, one of the most divisive policies in decades, the new premier will have to show he can win votes in parliament and govern after three years of political crisis. But he could face a vote of no confidence in the 650-seat parliament as early as his second day in office if the main opposition Labour Party calls one. On its own, the ruling Conservative Party does not have the majority needed for the new prime minister to survive such a vote, relying under May on the support of 10 allied Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lawmakers to govern. Even if the DUP backed the new prime minister in a confidence vote, a handful of Conservative lawmakers have threatened to vote against their party if Britain looks set for a no-deal Brexit. Failure to clear this first hurdle would collapse the government and could trigger a general election. 2) Brexit Both Hunt and Johnson want to renegotiate a new deal with the EU, ditching parts of the accord May struck with Brussels last year, which was rejected by parliament three times. The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the legally binding part of that deal, the 'Withdrawal Agreement' which sets out a transition period to smooth Britain's exit. The problem for the next prime minister is that the withdrawal agreement contains the most contentious part of the exit deal an insurance policy to prevent border controls between EU member Ireland and British province Northern Ireland. EU negotiators are ready to explore several options with the new prime minister, but these fall well short of what Johnson and Hunt say they want. Hunt and Johnson want to ditch the so-called backstop; the EU says it has to stay. If Britain cannot negotiate a new deal, or parliament rejects whatever the new leader brings back from Brussels, the country will be headed for an unmanaged exit from the EU a so-called no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31. Johnson and Hunt both say they have to make sure Britain is fully prepared for such an outcome because it is an important negotiating tool and they cannot rule out that it may happen. Britain had conducted substantial work toward preparing for no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29, but as the date approached many expressed concern that those preparations were incomplete and had stagnated. 3) Trump and the United States The new prime minister will need a good relationship with the United States, Britain's closest military ally and a major export market, to help mitigate any impact of stepping away from the EU its biggest trading partner. But relations between Britain and the United States have suffered in recent weeks after the leak of confidential memos from the British ambassador to Washington which reportedly described Donald Trump's administration as inept. How the new leader moves on from the spat which saw Trump respond angrily and the ambassador resigns could set the tone for transatlantic ties during a critical period for Britain. Both sides say they want to agree on a swift and comprehensive free trade agreement after Britain leaves the EU, but political will is likely to determine how quickly that can be done. 4) Iran and China The United States and European allies are pulling in different directions over the best approach to Iran's nuclear programme, leaving Britain with a difficult choice about who to align with. Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, in apparent retaliation for the British capture of an Iranian tanker two weeks earlier. Allies are watching closely to see whether the new British leader will move towards the United States and away from the EU over Iran policy. The new prime minister will also have to decide what role Chinese technology firm Huawei will be given in British communications infrastructure, with Trump warning that the security risks are high and could endanger intelligence ties. That decision could also set the course of relations with China, one of Britain's top targets when it comes to building stronger trading ties outside the EU. 5) Beyond Brexit While the next prime minister's first test will be to deliver Brexit, he will have to craft a viable long-term vision of post-Brexit Britain that can win over voters, investors and international allies. Ultimately, the new leader will have to decide what sort of economy the United Kingdom wants and how it will pitch that to the world while choosing between aligning with either European or American regulations.

Five urgent tasks for Britain's new prime minister

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit.

After a month-long contest between former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the postal votes of up to 160,000 grassroots Conservatives will decide the governing party's next leader.

The voting window slams shut at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT).

The result will be announced on Tuesday, with the winner immediately becoming the new Conservative leader, the victor taking office as prime minister on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Both candidates have had a rocky end to the campaign.

Finance minister Philip Hammond announced Sunday that he would make a point of resigning before Johnson became prime minister, saying he could never agree to his Brexit strategy.

Meanwhile, Hunt has had to deal with the fallout of Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf.

In one of her final acts as prime minister, Theresa May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT).

"As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

Hunt said parliament would be updated Monday on the situation in the Gulf.

Risks to Johnson premiership

The final posted votes will be delivered to Conservative headquarters in London on Monday morning. Any last remaining votes will have to be delivered by hand or courier.

An online poll of 1,199 members conducted Friday and Saturday by the Conservative Home website put Johnson on 73 per cent.

Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of winning.

The Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents -- both within and outside the party -- are keen to scupper his leadership.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal.

Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson.

Some Conservatives, Hammond included, have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without an agreement.

Hammond has no illusions of remaining in the post under a Johnson premiership and has said he will resign before being moved on in a reshuffle.

"I cannot accept the idea of leaving with no deal on October 31," Hammond said.

Justice Secretary David Gauke also said Sunday he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister.

The Sunday Times newspaper reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win -- leaving him without a Commons majority.

- May's last acts - 
Hammond, May and Hunt are the only three ministers who have continuously stayed in the cabinet since the Conservatives returned to office in 2010 under the then prime minister David Cameron.

May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time at midday (1100 GMT) Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II.

The head of state will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration.

If Johnson wins the leadership contest, Hammond will resign between prime minister's questions in parliament and May going to see the sovereign.

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit.

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit. After a month-long contest between former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the postal votes of up to 160,000 grassroots Conservatives will decide the governing party's next leader. The voting window slams shut at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT). The result will be announced on Tuesday, with the winner immediately becoming the new Conservative leader, the victor taking office as prime minister on Wednesday. Both candidates have had a rocky end to the campaign. Finance minister Philip Hammond announced Sunday that he would make a point of resigning before Johnson became prime minister, saying he could never agree to his Brexit strategy. Meanwhile, Hunt has had to deal with the fallout of Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf. In one of her final acts as prime minister, Theresa May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT). "As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a Downing Street spokeswoman said. Hunt said parliament would be updated Monday on the situation in the Gulf. Risks to Johnson premiership The final posted votes will be delivered to Conservative headquarters in London on Monday morning. Any last remaining votes will have to be delivered by hand or courier. An online poll of 1,199 members conducted Friday and Saturday by the Conservative Home website put Johnson on 73 per cent. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of winning. The Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents -- both within and outside the party -- are keen to scupper his leadership. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal. Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson. Some Conservatives, Hammond included, have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without an agreement. Hammond has no illusions of remaining in the post under a Johnson premiership and has said he will resign before being moved on in a reshuffle. "I cannot accept the idea of leaving with no deal on October 31," Hammond said. Justice Secretary David Gauke also said Sunday he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister. The Sunday Times newspaper reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win -- leaving him without a Commons majority. - May's last acts - Hammond, May and Hunt are the only three ministers who have continuously stayed in the cabinet since the Conservatives returned to office in 2010 under the then prime minister David Cameron. May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time at midday (1100 GMT) Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II. The head of state will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration. If Johnson wins the leadership contest, Hammond will resign between prime minister's questions in parliament and May going to see the sovereign.

Final hours of voting in race to become British Prime Minister

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Monday said the UK wanted to establish a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-crew-members-including-indian-nationals-on-seized-british-flagged-tanker-in-good-health-iran-embassy-237752">European-led maritime protection</a> force for the Gulf but emphasised that London was not seeking a confrontation with Iran.

"We will now seek to put together a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-warship-warned-iranian-forces-against-seizing-tanker-237484">European-led maritime protection</a> mission to support the safe passage of both crew and cargo in this vital region," Hunt told parliament after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf on&nbsp;

On July 5, Iran had demanded that Britain immediately release the tanker, accusing it of doing the bidding of the US in what is "tantamount to maritime banditry".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-seizure-of-tanker-is-not-acceptable-at-all-237249/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

On July 10, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned&nbsp;Britain of "consequences", in comments broadcast by state television.

The same day, according to the British defence ministry, Iranian military vessels tried to "impede the passage" of a UK oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz off Iran.&nbsp;

Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied any confrontation with foreign vessels in the area as tensions escalated between UK and Iran.

Just hours after Iran's Revolutionary Guards had announced they had impounded a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules", the Stena Impero did not respond to distress calls after colliding with a fishing vessel, Iranian authorities alleged.

Hunt warned of "serious consequences", while Washington slammed it as "escalatory violence". Hunt said that while the Grace 1 had been detained legally, "the Stena Impero was seized in Omani waters in clear contravention of international law. It was then forced to sail into Iran. This is totally and utterly unacceptable."

Germany and France urged Iran to release the tanker, whose seizure Berlin called a "dangerous further aggravation of an already tense situation".

Britain on Saturday urged Iran to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf by releasing a UK-flagged ship it said had been illegally seized in Omani waters in an "utterly unacceptable" gambit.

On Monday, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told journalists the detention of the British tanker was a "legal measure" necessary to ensure the region's security.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Monday said the UK wanted to establish a European-led maritime protection force for the Gulf but emphasised that London was not seeking a confrontation with Iran.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Monday said the UK wanted to establish a European-led maritime protection force for the Gulf but emphasised that London was not seeking a confrontation with Iran. "We will now seek to put together a European-led maritime protection mission to support the safe passage of both crew and cargo in this vital region," Hunt told parliament after Iranian authorities seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf on On July 5, Iran had demanded that Britain immediately release the tanker, accusing it of doing the bidding of the US in what is "tantamount to maritime banditry". Watch Video: On July 10, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences", in comments broadcast by state television. The same day, according to the British defence ministry, Iranian military vessels tried to "impede the passage" of a UK oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz off Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied any confrontation with foreign vessels in the area as tensions escalated between UK and Iran. Just hours after Iran's Revolutionary Guards had announced they had impounded a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules", the Stena Impero did not respond to distress calls after colliding with a fishing vessel, Iranian authorities alleged. Hunt warned of "serious consequences", while Washington slammed it as "escalatory violence". Hunt said that while the Grace 1 had been detained legally, "the Stena Impero was seized in Omani waters in clear contravention of international law. It was then forced to sail into Iran. This is totally and utterly unacceptable." Germany and France urged Iran to release the tanker, whose seizure Berlin called a "dangerous further aggravation of an already tense situation". Britain on Saturday urged Iran to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf by releasing a UK-flagged ship it said had been illegally seized in Omani waters in an "utterly unacceptable" gambit. On Monday, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told journalists the detention of the British tanker was a "legal measure" necessary to ensure the region's security.

Seeking to put together European-led maritime protection mission in Gulf: UK

Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seizure-of-british-flagged-tanker-clear-violation-of-international-law-uk-chamber-of-shipping-237519">Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker</a> in the Gulf.

In one of her final important acts as prime minister before resigning on Wednesday, May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT), her Downing Street office said.

"As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a spokeswoman said in a brief statement.

It will be Britain's third emergency committee meeting since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-is-ready-for-any-scenario-warns-of-escalating-uk-tension-237432">Iran seized the Stena Impero tanker </a>on Friday, in what London has told the UN Security Council was an illegal move conducted in Omani waters.

The meeting will be the first May has chaired on the seizure.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-irans-recent-clashes-with-the-west-over-gulf-shipping-nuclear-plans-237479">Timeline of Iran's recent clashes with the West over Gulf shipping, nuclear plans</a>

Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meetings typically bring together ministers, security, intelligence and military chiefs in a secure facility in central London.

Britain has a frigate, the HMS Montrose, in the Gulf, and has requested all British-flagged ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint until further notice.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to his French and German counterparts over the issue, his office said.

"Both ministers agreed with the foreign secretary that safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is a top priority for European nations, while avoiding any possible escalation," it said in a statement.

"They agreed to keep in close contact and to work together to achieve this," the statement said.

Letter to UNSC

In its letter to the UN Security Council, Britain said that Iran had claimed that the Swedish-owned Stena Impero had tried to enter the strait through the exit route, while not responding to messages or warnings and with its transponder switched off.

"This is not the case," the letter said.

Iranian officials have also claimed that the tanker was detained due to a collision with an Iranian fishing boat, the letter said, adding: "There is no evidence of this.

"Even if it had occurred, the ship's location within Omani territorial waters means that Iran would not have been permitted to intercept the Stena Impero."

Junior defence minister Tobias Ellwood said Sunday that Britain was considering several options.

Asked if Britain could introduce new sanctions or freeze Iranian assets, finance minister Philip Hammond told BBC television: "We've already got a wide raft of sanctions against Iran, particularly financial sanctions, so it's not clear that there are immediate things we can do but we are of course looking at all the options."

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said parliament will be updated on the situation on Monday.

Either Hunt or former London mayor Boris Johnson will be confirmed as the new leader of the governing Conservative Party on Tuesday and take over from May as prime minister on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf. In one of her final important acts as prime minister before resigning on Wednesday, May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT), her Downing Street office said.

Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf. In one of her final important acts as prime minister before resigning on Wednesday, May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT), her Downing Street office said. "As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a spokeswoman said in a brief statement. It will be Britain's third emergency committee meeting since Iran seized the Stena Impero tanker on Friday, in what London has told the UN Security Council was an illegal move conducted in Omani waters. The meeting will be the first May has chaired on the seizure. Also read: Timeline of Iran's recent clashes with the West over Gulf shipping, nuclear plans Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meetings typically bring together ministers, security, intelligence and military chiefs in a secure facility in central London. Britain has a frigate, the HMS Montrose, in the Gulf, and has requested all British-flagged ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint until further notice. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to his French and German counterparts over the issue, his office said. "Both ministers agreed with the foreign secretary that safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is a top priority for European nations, while avoiding any possible escalation," it said in a statement. "They agreed to keep in close contact and to work together to achieve this," the statement said. Letter to UNSC In its letter to the UN Security Council, Britain said that Iran had claimed that the Swedish-owned Stena Impero had tried to enter the strait through the exit route, while not responding to messages or warnings and with its transponder switched off. "This is not the case," the letter said. Iranian officials have also claimed that the tanker was detained due to a collision with an Iranian fishing boat, the letter said, adding: "There is no evidence of this. "Even if it had occurred, the ship's location within Omani territorial waters means that Iran would not have been permitted to intercept the Stena Impero." Junior defence minister Tobias Ellwood said Sunday that Britain was considering several options. Asked if Britain could introduce new sanctions or freeze Iranian assets, finance minister Philip Hammond told BBC television: "We've already got a wide raft of sanctions against Iran, particularly financial sanctions, so it's not clear that there are immediate things we can do but we are of course looking at all the options." Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said parliament will be updated on the situation on Monday. Either Hunt or former London mayor Boris Johnson will be confirmed as the new leader of the governing Conservative Party on Tuesday and take over from May as prime minister on Wednesday.

British PM Theresa May to hold emergency meeting on seized tanker

Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan, who quit on Monday, said Britain was being forced to work under a "dark cloud" caused by Brexit, setting out the reasons for his resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May.

"It is tragic that just when we could have been the dominant intellectual and political force throughout Europe, and beyond, we have to spend every day working beneath the dark cloud of Brexit," he wrote in the letter, published on Twitter.

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I resigned as Foreign Office minister this morning. Here is my letter to the Prime Minister. <a href="https://t.co/1kpt7rHsF0">pic.twitter.com/1kpt7rHsF0</a>
— Sir Alan Duncan MP (@AlanDuncanMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlanDuncanMP/status/1153238110475554821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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His move follows last week's resignation of Margot James, a culture minister when she described Johnson's do-or-die promise to leave the European Union (EU) by October&nbsp;31 with, or without, a deal as "quite incredible" for going against business organisations.

If the polls and bookmakers are right, Johnson will become Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday and will immediately face the riddle that is Britain's&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;negotiation.

Johnson, a former London mayor, has said he will ramp up preparations for a no-deal exit to try to force the EU's negotiators to make changes to the agreement that Prime Minister Theresa May sealed and British lawmakers voted down three times.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/johnson-vs-hunt-who-will-be-the-next-uk-prime-minister-237641/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Johnson's leadership rival foreign minister Jeremy Hunt attended the British government's emergency response committee Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR)&nbsp;on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker.

Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan, who quit on Monday, said Britain was being forced to work under a "dark cloud" caused by Brexit, setting out the reasons for his resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May.

Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan, who quit on Monday, said Britain was being forced to work under a "dark cloud" caused by Brexit, setting out the reasons for his resignation in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May. "It is tragic that just when we could have been the dominant intellectual and political force throughout Europe, and beyond, we have to spend every day working beneath the dark cloud of Brexit," he wrote in the letter, published on Twitter. I resigned as Foreign Office minister this morning. Here is my letter to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/1kpt7rHsF0 — Sir Alan Duncan MP (@AlanDuncanMP) July 22, 2019 × His move follows last week's resignation of Margot James, a culture minister when she described Johnson's do-or-die promise to leave the European Union (EU) by October 31 with, or without, a deal as "quite incredible" for going against business organisations. If the polls and bookmakers are right, Johnson will become Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday and will immediately face the riddle that is Britain's Brexit negotiation. Johnson, a former London mayor, has said he will ramp up preparations for a no-deal exit to try to force the EU's negotiators to make changes to the agreement that Prime Minister Theresa May sealed and British lawmakers voted down three times. Meanwhile, Johnson's leadership rival foreign minister Jeremy Hunt attended the British government's emergency response committee Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker.

Sad that Britain has to work under Brexit 'dark cloud', says minister Alan Duncan after resigning

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">Boris Johnson</a> is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament.

The former London mayor is the runaway favourite to win the governing Conservative Party's leadership contest and replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dancing-queen-theresa-may-boogies-to-abba-in-final-days-as-british-pm-236201">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> on Wednesday.

The postal ballot of 160,000 grassroots party members is expected to return Johnson, 55, as the new Conservative leader over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> when the result is announced on Tuesday.

Any remaining ballots must be delivered by the Monday 5:00pm (1600 GMT) deadline. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of victory.

While Johnson spent a relatively trouble-free Saturday, Hunt, his successor in the Foreign Office, was dealing with Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf.

The threat to the majority&nbsp;

The centre-right Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-remains-divided-on-brexit-options-207308">House of Commons</a> and Johnson's opponents both within and outside the party are keen to scupper his leadership.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal.

Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson.

Some Conservatives have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without a deal.

Justice Secretary David Gauke said he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister.

He told The Sunday Times newspaper that a no-deal Brexit would trigger national "humiliation".&nbsp;

The broadsheet reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win leaving him without a Commons majority.

'Right side of history'&nbsp;

Pro-EU protesters rallied in central London on Saturday in anticipation of Johnson taking office.

The "No to Boris, yes to Europe" protest saw a giant balloon of Johnson inspired by the similar blimp of US President Donald Trump flying outside parliament.

"I want to be on the right side of history. I think anybody who considers Brexit to be a good solution, really hasn't considered the facts," demonstrator Tamara Bishop told AFP.

Claire Payton said of Johnson: "He's going to be appalling."

Michael Fowler, wearing an EU-flag beret, added: "He is a chancer that will say anything, promise anything and then do whatever suits him. Which might be completely the opposite to what he's promised."

'Good relationship': Trump&nbsp;

Trump said he spoke to Johnson on Thursday.

"He is going to do a great job," the president said Friday.

Trump renewed his criticism of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" with Brexit and predicted that Johnson would fix the "disaster".&nbsp;

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

After a month-long campaign, the winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday as the new Conservative Party leader.

May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state.

The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration.

May, who took office following the seismic 2016 Brexit referendum, has vowed to be "absolutely" loyal to her successor.

She will remain in parliament as the MP for her Maidenhead constituency in southern England.

"It is important that we have a Conservative government, particularly given the nature of the opposition we have," she told the Daily Express newspaper.

The Labour main opposition is riven with in-fighting over Brexit, anti-Semitism and veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

"I will be doing everything I can to make sure that we have a Conservative government," said May.

The 62-year-old added that initially she would "take some time off, have a holiday and adjust to the new world".

Boris Johnson is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament.

Boris Johnson is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament. The former London mayor is the runaway favourite to win the governing Conservative Party's leadership contest and replace Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday. The postal ballot of 160,000 grassroots party members is expected to return Johnson, 55, as the new Conservative leader over Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt when the result is announced on Tuesday. Any remaining ballots must be delivered by the Monday 5:00pm (1600 GMT) deadline. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of victory. While Johnson spent a relatively trouble-free Saturday, Hunt, his successor in the Foreign Office, was dealing with Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf. The threat to the majority The centre-right Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents both within and outside the party are keen to scupper his leadership. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal. Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson. Some Conservatives have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without a deal. Justice Secretary David Gauke said he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister. He told The Sunday Times newspaper that a no-deal Brexit would trigger national "humiliation". The broadsheet reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win leaving him without a Commons majority. 'Right side of history' Pro-EU protesters rallied in central London on Saturday in anticipation of Johnson taking office. The "No to Boris, yes to Europe" protest saw a giant balloon of Johnson inspired by the similar blimp of US President Donald Trump flying outside parliament. "I want to be on the right side of history. I think anybody who considers Brexit to be a good solution, really hasn't considered the facts," demonstrator Tamara Bishop told AFP. Claire Payton said of Johnson: "He's going to be appalling." Michael Fowler, wearing an EU-flag beret, added: "He is a chancer that will say anything, promise anything and then do whatever suits him. Which might be completely the opposite to what he's promised." 'Good relationship': Trump Trump said he spoke to Johnson on Thursday. "He is going to do a great job," the president said Friday. Trump renewed his criticism of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" with Brexit and predicted that Johnson would fix the "disaster". "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. After a month-long campaign, the winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday as the new Conservative Party leader. May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state. The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration. May, who took office following the seismic 2016 Brexit referendum, has vowed to be "absolutely" loyal to her successor. She will remain in parliament as the MP for her Maidenhead constituency in southern England. "It is important that we have a Conservative government, particularly given the nature of the opposition we have," she told the Daily Express newspaper. The Labour main opposition is riven with in-fighting over Brexit, anti-Semitism and veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. "I will be doing everything I can to make sure that we have a Conservative government," said May. The 62-year-old added that initially she would "take some time off, have a holiday and adjust to the new world".

Boris Johnson bracing to become Britain's Brexit Prime Minister

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Saturday that he was worried that Iran had taken a "dangerous path" after it seized a British-flagged tanker&nbsp;Stena<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seized-british-flagged-tanker-anchored-off-iran-port-authority-237243"> </a>Impero&nbsp;&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.

"Yesterday's action in Gulf shows worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s LEGAL detention of oil bound for Syria," Hunt said on Twitter.

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1/2 Yesterday's action in Gulf shows worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s LEGAL detention of oil bound for Syria.
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"As I said yesterday our reaction will be considered but robust. We have been trying to find a way to resolve Grace1 issue but WILL ensure the safety of our shipping."

The British navy seized Iran's Grace 1 tanker in Gibraltar on July 4 on suspicion of smuggling oil to Syria in breach of European Union sanctions as tensions mount in the strategic waterway.

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2/2 As I said yesterday our reaction will be considered but robust. We have been trying to find a way to resolve Grace1 issue but WILL ensure the safety of our shipping.
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&nbsp;

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Saturday that he was worried that Iran had taken a "dangerous path" after it seized a British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Saturday that he was worried that Iran had taken a "dangerous path" after it seized a British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. "Yesterday's action in Gulf shows worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s LEGAL detention of oil bound for Syria," Hunt said on Twitter. 1/2 Yesterday's action in Gulf shows worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s LEGAL detention of oil bound for Syria. — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 20, 2019 × "As I said yesterday our reaction will be considered but robust. We have been trying to find a way to resolve Grace1 issue but WILL ensure the safety of our shipping." The British navy seized Iran's Grace 1 tanker in Gibraltar on July 4 on suspicion of smuggling oil to Syria in breach of European Union sanctions as tensions mount in the strategic waterway. 2/2 As I said yesterday our reaction will be considered but robust. We have been trying to find a way to resolve Grace1 issue but WILL ensure the safety of our shipping. — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 20, 2019 ×

UK's Hunt says Iran may be on 'dangerous path' after seizing British-flagged tanker

The chance that Britain will leave the European Union without a deal is the highest since October 2017, economists polled by Reuters say, as arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson looks set to take over as prime minister next week.

Johnson was the face of the 2016 campaign to quit the EU and has said he would be willing to leave on October&nbsp;31 without a deal. The median forecast of that happening was 30% in the July 15-18 poll, up from 25% last month and 15% in May.

"The likelihood of a Boris Johnson premiership and the rhetoric which has surfaced during the campaign suggests that this outcome is more likely than we previously believed," said Peter Dixon at Commerzbank.

With Jeremy Hunt, Johnson's rival for the premiership, also keen to display his credentials as a hard Brexiteer, sterling &lt;GBP=&gt; has plunged this week to lows not seen in over two years as investors price in the growing risk of a disorderly Brexit.

Lawmakers voted on Thursday to make it harder for the next prime minister to try to force a no-deal Brexit, giving some support to sterling, and a strong majority of economists polled still think the two sides will eventually settle on a free-trade deal, as they have since late 2016, when Reuters first started asking the question.

But in second place this month was the more extreme option of leaving without a deal and trading under World Trade Organization rules.

The third most likely outcome was the other compromise option of Britain remaining a member of the European Economic Area, paying into the EU budget to maintain access to the single market yet having no say over policy.

Fourth place went to cancelling Brexit.

Hold it

As the chance of a hard Brexit has increased, so has the likelihood of a recession. The median forecast for one in the coming year was 30% and of one in the next two years was 35%, up from 25% and 30% respectively in June's poll.

Growth forecasts remained modest, with the economy expected to expand 0.3-0.4% per quarter through to the end of next year.

Those forecasts were either left unchanged or lowered, so what has shifted are expectations about what the Bank of England will do with interest rates.

No change is now expected to the bank rate, which has sat at 0.75% for nearly a year, until 2021 at the earliest. In June's poll, a 25 basis point hike was expected in the third quarter of next year.

"While the UK consumer price inflation backdrop appears relatively benign, the fact that wage growth is holding up suggests&nbsp;it's too early to be thinking about rate cuts," said James Smith at ING.

"But the increasing uncertainty surrounding Brexit suggests policy tightening is equally unlikely this year."

Only 27 of 76 economists polled now expect an increase to Bank Rate before the end of next year, compared to 36 of 69 last month. On the flip side, nine of 76 are expecting a cut by end-2020 compared to five of 69 in June.

The Royal Bank of Canada, a primary dealer of British government bonds, changed its call earlier this month and said the BoE would be forced to cut interest rates this year because of rising risks to Britain from Brexit and global trade tensions.

"We don't necessarily share the view that the UK economy will see a substantial pick-up in growth even in a smooth Brexit," RBC economists Peter Schaffrik and Cathal Kennedy said in a note to clients.

Monetary Policy Committee member Gertjan Vlieghe said in a speech at Thomson Reuters last week that the Bank might need to cut interest rates almost to zero after a no-deal Brexit.

That shift in sentiment echoes expectations for other major central banks. The European Central Bank is likely to cut its deposit rate later this year and there are widespread expectations the United States Federal Reserve will cut at its meeting this month.

But unlike its peers, the BoE has less to worry about when focussing on its mandate for price stability.

The slump in sterling has driven up prices in import-reliant Britain and the economists who were polled expected inflation to hover around the Bank's target for the next three years at least, the poll found.

The chance that Britain will leave the European Union without a deal is the highest since October 2017, economists polled by Reuters say, as arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson looks set to take over as prime minister next week.

The chance that Britain will leave the European Union without a deal is the highest since October 2017, economists polled by Reuters say, as arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson looks set to take over as prime minister next week. Johnson was the face of the 2016 campaign to quit the EU and has said he would be willing to leave on October 31 without a deal. The median forecast of that happening was 30% in the July 15-18 poll, up from 25% last month and 15% in May. "The likelihood of a Boris Johnson premiership and the rhetoric which has surfaced during the campaign suggests that this outcome is more likely than we previously believed," said Peter Dixon at Commerzbank. With Jeremy Hunt, Johnson's rival for the premiership, also keen to display his credentials as a hard Brexiteer, sterling <GBP=> has plunged this week to lows not seen in over two years as investors price in the growing risk of a disorderly Brexit. Lawmakers voted on Thursday to make it harder for the next prime minister to try to force a no-deal Brexit, giving some support to sterling, and a strong majority of economists polled still think the two sides will eventually settle on a free-trade deal, as they have since late 2016, when Reuters first started asking the question. But in second place this month was the more extreme option of leaving without a deal and trading under World Trade Organization rules. The third most likely outcome was the other compromise option of Britain remaining a member of the European Economic Area, paying into the EU budget to maintain access to the single market yet having no say over policy. Fourth place went to cancelling Brexit. Hold it As the chance of a hard Brexit has increased, so has the likelihood of a recession. The median forecast for one in the coming year was 30% and of one in the next two years was 35%, up from 25% and 30% respectively in June's poll. Growth forecasts remained modest, with the economy expected to expand 0.3-0.4% per quarter through to the end of next year. Those forecasts were either left unchanged or lowered, so what has shifted are expectations about what the Bank of England will do with interest rates. No change is now expected to the bank rate, which has sat at 0.75% for nearly a year, until 2021 at the earliest. In June's poll, a 25 basis point hike was expected in the third quarter of next year. "While the UK consumer price inflation backdrop appears relatively benign, the fact that wage growth is holding up suggests it's too early to be thinking about rate cuts," said James Smith at ING. "But the increasing uncertainty surrounding Brexit suggests policy tightening is equally unlikely this year." Only 27 of 76 economists polled now expect an increase to Bank Rate before the end of next year, compared to 36 of 69 last month. On the flip side, nine of 76 are expecting a cut by end-2020 compared to five of 69 in June. The Royal Bank of Canada, a primary dealer of British government bonds, changed its call earlier this month and said the BoE would be forced to cut interest rates this year because of rising risks to Britain from Brexit and global trade tensions. "We don't necessarily share the view that the UK economy will see a substantial pick-up in growth even in a smooth Brexit," RBC economists Peter Schaffrik and Cathal Kennedy said in a note to clients. Monetary Policy Committee member Gertjan Vlieghe said in a speech at Thomson Reuters last week that the Bank might need to cut interest rates almost to zero after a no-deal Brexit. That shift in sentiment echoes expectations for other major central banks. The European Central Bank is likely to cut its deposit rate later this year and there are widespread expectations the United States Federal Reserve will cut at its meeting this month. But unlike its peers, the BoE has less to worry about when focussing on its mandate for price stability. The slump in sterling has driven up prices in import-reliant Britain and the economists who were polled expected inflation to hover around the Bank's target for the next three years at least, the poll found.

Chance of no-deal Brexit rises as Johnson leads Hunt: Poll

Boris Johnson has broken the record for the most money raised by a British politician in his bid to become prime minister, winning the backing of eurosceptic financiers after hardening his Brexit stance with a "do or die" pledge.

Hedge fund managers, the chairman of a football club, a director of companies based in tax havens, and a fox hunting enthusiast are among the donors who have poured hundreds of thousands of pounds into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">Johnson's campaign</a>.

More than half the donations came from financiers and businessmen who funded the campaign to leave the European Union.

The two biggest backers are Anthony Bamford, the billionaire chairman of the construction equipment maker JCB, and Jonathan Moynihan, chairman of venture capital fund Ipex Capital, both vocal backers of Brexit.

Robin Birley, a private members’ club owner, has previously donated to Nigel Farage's former anti-EU group, UKIP.

The support means <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-hopeful-slam-donald-trump-tweets-but-refuse-to-call-them-racist-236277">Johnson has registered 702,000 pounds</a> in the last year, according to figures released by parliament, surpassing the previous fundraising record set by the former foreign minister David Miliband who raised 627,000 pounds for his bid to lead the Labour Party in 2010.

Johnson, a divisive politician known for his often bumbling persona and dishevelled mop of blond hair, looks poised for a landslide victory when votes are announced in the Conservative Party leadership contest next week, which by default will decide the next prime minister.

Current premier Theresa May was forced to resign after she failed to unite the nation behind her plan to leave the EU on schedule in March.

Johnson's pledge to leave the EU "do or die" -&nbsp;with or without a deal -&nbsp;on October. 31 looks set to deepen the three-year Brexit crisis by setting him on a collision course with the bloc's 27 other leaders and his own parliament

But this threat is resonating with Conservative supporters, who have grown frustrated by the government's failure to leave the EU so long after the 2016 referendum.

In the last two weeks, Johnson received 100,000 pounds from Moynihan, who chaired the official Vote Leave finance committee.

In a comment piece on the Brexit Central website in 2018, he described concerns around a border in Ireland as a "nonsense" that is designed to keep Britain in the EU's customs union to have "German goods and French produce stuffed down our throat".

He said then Britain should make clear it is willing to leave without a deal.

Ian Murray, an opposition Labour lawmaker and campaigner for a second referendum, said he worried about the process to select a new prime minister, with only Conservative members making the decision.

Johnson, he added, will be "financially dependent on an even smaller group of funders who are likely to back the most extreme Brexit or even no-deal."

Johnson's improved fundraising position reflects the lead he appears to hold over his rival, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt. He currently has the support of two thirds of Conservative voters, according to an opinion poll published over the weekend.

By comparison, Hunt's fundraising has stalled. He has not registered any new donations in the last month.

Overall, the sums raised in British politics are tiny compared to those for US&nbsp;political campaigns.

In the United States, presidential contenders criss-cross the country for months, through first the party nominating process and then the campaign for the actual election.

Boris Johnson has broken the record for the most money raised by a British politician in his bid to become prime minister, winning the backing of eurosceptic financiers after hardening his Brexit stance with a "do or die" pledge.

Boris Johnson has broken the record for the most money raised by a British politician in his bid to become prime minister, winning the backing of eurosceptic financiers after hardening his Brexit stance with a "do or die" pledge. Hedge fund managers, the chairman of a football club, a director of companies based in tax havens, and a fox hunting enthusiast are among the donors who have poured hundreds of thousands of pounds into Johnson's campaign. More than half the donations came from financiers and businessmen who funded the campaign to leave the European Union. The two biggest backers are Anthony Bamford, the billionaire chairman of the construction equipment maker JCB, and Jonathan Moynihan, chairman of venture capital fund Ipex Capital, both vocal backers of Brexit. Robin Birley, a private members’ club owner, has previously donated to Nigel Farage's former anti-EU group, UKIP. The support means Johnson has registered 702,000 pounds in the last year, according to figures released by parliament, surpassing the previous fundraising record set by the former foreign minister David Miliband who raised 627,000 pounds for his bid to lead the Labour Party in 2010. Johnson, a divisive politician known for his often bumbling persona and dishevelled mop of blond hair, looks poised for a landslide victory when votes are announced in the Conservative Party leadership contest next week, which by default will decide the next prime minister. Current premier Theresa May was forced to resign after she failed to unite the nation behind her plan to leave the EU on schedule in March. Johnson's pledge to leave the EU "do or die" - with or without a deal - on October. 31 looks set to deepen the three-year Brexit crisis by setting him on a collision course with the bloc's 27 other leaders and his own parliament But this threat is resonating with Conservative supporters, who have grown frustrated by the government's failure to leave the EU so long after the 2016 referendum. In the last two weeks, Johnson received 100,000 pounds from Moynihan, who chaired the official Vote Leave finance committee. In a comment piece on the Brexit Central website in 2018, he described concerns around a border in Ireland as a "nonsense" that is designed to keep Britain in the EU's customs union to have "German goods and French produce stuffed down our throat". He said then Britain should make clear it is willing to leave without a deal. Ian Murray, an opposition Labour lawmaker and campaigner for a second referendum, said he worried about the process to select a new prime minister, with only Conservative members making the decision. Johnson, he added, will be "financially dependent on an even smaller group of funders who are likely to back the most extreme Brexit or even no-deal." Johnson's improved fundraising position reflects the lead he appears to hold over his rival, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt. He currently has the support of two thirds of Conservative voters, according to an opinion poll published over the weekend. By comparison, Hunt's fundraising has stalled. He has not registered any new donations in the last month. Overall, the sums raised in British politics are tiny compared to those for US political campaigns. In the United States, presidential contenders criss-cross the country for months, through first the party nominating process and then the campaign for the actual election.

Boris Johnson raises record funds in campaign for PM race; Hunt's plan stalled

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ditched-iran-deal-to-spite-obama-new-memo-leak-claims-235625">US President Donald Trump</a>'s xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable".

But front-runner Boris Johnson and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-jeremy-hunt-says-donald-trump-comments-disrespectful-and-wrong-234518">Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> refused to call the tweets racist when pressed to do so during their last debate before next week's announcement of who will succeed Prime Minister Theresa May.

May's spokesman had earlier said that the outgoing leader's view was that Trump's comments were "completely unacceptable".

On Monday Trump doubled down on a series of his tweets from the day before urging the four congresswomen of colour&nbsp;to "go back" to the countries they came from.

"If you're not happy here, you can leave," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Johnson said the original tweets expressed sentiments "that went out decades and decades ago".

"I think the relations between the UK and US are incredibly important," said Johnson.

"But if you are the leader of a great multiracial, multicultural society, you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back where they came from," Johnson said.

"It's unacceptable and I agree with the prime minister."

Trump has developed good relations with Johnson and backs both his leadership bid and determination to take Britain out of the EU.

Pressed by the moderator to call Trump's tweets racist, Johnson said: "I've said what I said."

Hunt recalled that he had three half-ethnically Chinese children who are British citizens.

"If anyone said to them, go back to China, I would be utterly appalled," Hunt said. "It is un-British to say that."

Pressed to call the comments racist, Hunt signaled that he would have been he, not Britain's chief diplomat.

"Look, I am foreign secretary, this is the president of a country which happens to be our closest ally and so it is not gonna help the situation to use that kind of language about the president of the United States," Hunt said.

"I can understand how many people of this country would want me to use those words, and would feel that sentiment," he added.

"But I hope I have made clear how offensive it is to me that people are still saying that kind of thing."

Some 160,000 paying members of the ruling Conservative Party are currently picking the country's new leader.

The winner of the mail-in ballot will be announced on July 23. The new prime minister formally assumes office the following day.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday US President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable".

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday US President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable". But front-runner Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt refused to call the tweets racist when pressed to do so during their last debate before next week's announcement of who will succeed Prime Minister Theresa May. May's spokesman had earlier said that the outgoing leader's view was that Trump's comments were "completely unacceptable". On Monday Trump doubled down on a series of his tweets from the day before urging the four congresswomen of colour to "go back" to the countries they came from. "If you're not happy here, you can leave," Trump told reporters at the White House. Johnson said the original tweets expressed sentiments "that went out decades and decades ago". "I think the relations between the UK and US are incredibly important," said Johnson. "But if you are the leader of a great multiracial, multicultural society, you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back where they came from," Johnson said. "It's unacceptable and I agree with the prime minister." Trump has developed good relations with Johnson and backs both his leadership bid and determination to take Britain out of the EU. Pressed by the moderator to call Trump's tweets racist, Johnson said: "I've said what I said." Hunt recalled that he had three half-ethnically Chinese children who are British citizens. "If anyone said to them, go back to China, I would be utterly appalled," Hunt said. "It is un-British to say that." Pressed to call the comments racist, Hunt signaled that he would have been he, not Britain's chief diplomat. "Look, I am foreign secretary, this is the president of a country which happens to be our closest ally and so it is not gonna help the situation to use that kind of language about the president of the United States," Hunt said. "I can understand how many people of this country would want me to use those words, and would feel that sentiment," he added. "But I hope I have made clear how offensive it is to me that people are still saying that kind of thing." Some 160,000 paying members of the ruling Conservative Party are currently picking the country's new leader. The winner of the mail-in ballot will be announced on July 23. The new prime minister formally assumes office the following day.

UK Prime Minister hopeful slam Donald Trump tweets, but refuse to call them racist

British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt is the other candidate left in the race to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, alongside the fervent Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson who is odds-on favourite to win next month.

Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Monday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-ready-to-talks-to-us-if-sanctions-lifted-report-235898">Iran's actions</a> were "profoundly destabilising" but said he wanted to reduce tensions in the Middle East, ahead of talks with his European Union counterparts.

"Heading to Brussels for urgent talks on how to reduce tensions with Iran," Hunt tweeted.&nbsp;

"Their approach to Mid East has been profoundly destabilising but we want to reduce not raise tensions over Grace 1 and avoid a nuclearised region.&nbsp;

"But a deal is a deal and if one side breaches it..."

European Union foreign ministers are meeting to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ditched-iran-deal-to-spite-obama-new-memo-leak-claims-235625">discuss the 2015 deal</a> over Iran's nuclear programme, as tensions further intensify between Tehran and the United States.

Washington has pulled out of the deal, to the dismay of its European allies who also signed the accord.

Angered that its beleaguered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-ready-to-talks-to-us-if-sanctions-lifted-report-235898">economy is not receiving the sanctions</a> relief it believes was promised under the deal, Iran has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-declines-to-set-united-states-uranium-production-quotas-235511">intensified its sensitive uranium</a> enrichment work, prompting warnings from Washington.

Watch: Iran to raise uranium enrichment limit from 3.6% to 5%

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Britain was drawn into the row when officials in its tiny territory of Gibraltar seized an Iranian oil tanker, "Grace One", earlier this month.

US officials believe the tanker was destined for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of sanctions, but Tehran reacted with anger.

In a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday, Hunt said the tanker would be released following guarantees on its destination.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Monday that Iran's actions were "profoundly destabilising" but said he wanted to reduce tensions in the Middle East, ahead of talks with his European Union counterparts.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Monday that Iran's actions were "profoundly destabilising" but said he wanted to reduce tensions in the Middle East, ahead of talks with his European Union counterparts. "Heading to Brussels for urgent talks on how to reduce tensions with Iran," Hunt tweeted. "Their approach to Mid East has been profoundly destabilising but we want to reduce not raise tensions over Grace 1 and avoid a nuclearised region. "But a deal is a deal and if one side breaches it..." European Union foreign ministers are meeting to discuss the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme, as tensions further intensify between Tehran and the United States. Washington has pulled out of the deal, to the dismay of its European allies who also signed the accord. Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving the sanctions relief it believes was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified its sensitive uranium enrichment work, prompting warnings from Washington. Watch: Iran to raise uranium enrichment limit from 3.6% to 5% × Britain was drawn into the row when officials in its tiny territory of Gibraltar seized an Iranian oil tanker, "Grace One", earlier this month. US officials believe the tanker was destined for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of sanctions, but Tehran reacted with anger. In a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday, Hunt said the tanker would be released following guarantees on its destination.

Ahead of European Union talks, UK calls for reduced tensions with Iran

British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt told his Iranian counterpart on Saturday (July 13) that Britain would facilitate the release of the detained Grace 1 oil tanker if Tehran gave guarantees it would not go to Syria.

UK to facilitate release of Iranian tanker if it gets Syria guarantees: Hunt

In a move to ease the tensions with Iran, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Saturday said a tanker held by Gibraltar would be released if Tehran guaranteed it was not heading to Syria.

Hunt, one of the two candidates for UK&nbsp;prime minister post, said he had a "constructive call" with his Iranian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-foreign-minister-heads-to-new-york-for-un-conference-amid-soaring-tension-with-us-report-235591">Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>, who, he said, assured him that Tehran "is not seeking to escalate" tensions between the countries.

"I reassured him our concern was destination not origin of the oil on Grace One," a tanker seized off the coast of the tiny British territory of Gibraltar on July 4, Hunt tweeted.

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1/2 Just spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif. Constructive call. I reassured him our concern was destination not origin of the oil on Grace One &amp;that UK would facilitate release if we received guarantees that it would not be going to Syria, following due process in Gib courts
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt/status/1150066851646492672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US officials believed the tanker was headed for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of separate sets of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdogs-board-to-meet-on-iran-at-request-of-us-233425">EU and US sanctions</a>.

Hunt said Britain "would facilitate release if we received guarantees that it would not be going to Syria, following due process in Gib (Gibraltar) courts. 
"Was told by FM Zarif that Iran wants to resolve issue and is not seeking to escalate."

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2/2 Was told by FM Zarif that Iran wants to resolve issue and is not seeking to escalate. Also spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/FabianPicardo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FabianPicardo</a> who is doing an excellent job co-ordinating issue and shares UK perspective on the way forward.
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt/status/1150067825668739073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Tehran had reacted angrily to the seizure, and Britain this week said Iranian military vessels had tried to "impede the passage" of a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

Hunt said Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo was doing an "excellent job co-ordinating issue and shares UK perspective on the way forward".

Hunt also said he raised with Zarif the imprisonment of British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and Zarif "said he would continue to seek to find a solution". 
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In a move to ease the tensions with Iran, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Saturday said a tanker held by Gibraltar would be released if Tehran guaranteed it was not heading to Syria.

In a move to ease the tensions with Iran, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Saturday said a tanker held by Gibraltar would be released if Tehran guaranteed it was not heading to Syria. Hunt, one of the two candidates for UK prime minister post, said he had a "constructive call" with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, who, he said, assured him that Tehran "is not seeking to escalate" tensions between the countries. "I reassured him our concern was destination not origin of the oil on Grace One," a tanker seized off the coast of the tiny British territory of Gibraltar on July 4, Hunt tweeted. 1/2 Just spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif. Constructive call. I reassured him our concern was destination not origin of the oil on Grace One &that UK would facilitate release if we received guarantees that it would not be going to Syria, following due process in Gib courts — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 13, 2019 × US officials believed the tanker was headed for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of separate sets of EU and US sanctions. Hunt said Britain "would facilitate release if we received guarantees that it would not be going to Syria, following due process in Gib (Gibraltar) courts. "Was told by FM Zarif that Iran wants to resolve issue and is not seeking to escalate." 2/2 Was told by FM Zarif that Iran wants to resolve issue and is not seeking to escalate. Also spoke to @FabianPicardo who is doing an excellent job co-ordinating issue and shares UK perspective on the way forward. — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 13, 2019 × Tehran had reacted angrily to the seizure, and Britain this week said Iranian military vessels had tried to "impede the passage" of a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Hunt said Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo was doing an "excellent job co-ordinating issue and shares UK perspective on the way forward". Hunt also said he raised with Zarif the imprisonment of British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and Zarif "said he would continue to seek to find a solution".

'Concern was destination not origin of oil': UK says Iran tanker will be freed after guarantees on destination

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