No politician can remain a prime minister forever. There comes a time when every leader must step down, and it seems this may once again be imminent. With rumblings that Boris Johnson will soon resign, the likelihood is a new resident is about to take up the mantle at 10 Downing Street.  

Who that will be isn’t yet clear, though it does have lots of people speculating. Even though there is no fixed date for when Mr Johnson will be replaced, it nonetheless makes for an interesting topic of discussion.

In this article, we look at who his successor is most likely to be.

Rishi Sunak

If you’ve ever followed or participated in political betting, you’ll know Rishi Sunak is deemed “the man most likely” to become the next Conservative leader. Betfair gives him odds of 13/8, with his nearest rival being Liz Truss at 5/1. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer since 2020, it has been hisresponsibility to determine the government’s economic response in recent years. He’s also been the MP for Richmond since 2015, so there’s a chance that Sunak will take the reigns if the Prime Minister steps down.

Liz Truss

Liz Truss is another popular contender, with odds of 5/1 to succeed to the leadership. The Norfolk MP has so far served in several prominent roles. Minister for Women and Equalities since 2019 and now Foreign Secretary, she’s worked in the cabinets of three prime ministers (David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson). Notably, she was the first female Lord Chancellor in the thousand-year history of the role after being appointed by Theresa May in 2016.

Jeremy Hunt

Jeremy Hunt’s is another name we’re familiar with. With odds of 6/1, he’s a popular contender for the top job. He’s served in several prominent positions to date, including Culture Secretary, Health Secretary, Foreign Secretary, and chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee.

An MP since 2005, Mr Hunt holds the title of the longest-serving Health Secretary in British history. He’s therefore hugely experienced and has an extensive skillset to recommend him. In addition, he finished in second place behind Mr Johnson in the last Conservative Party leadership election.

When it comes to predicting who’ll be the next Conservative leader, it’s impossible to truly call. All we can say is there are many potential candidates and no certain victor. Whatever happens, though, it’s likely to be an experienced pair of hands that takes control of the reins.