It came as a group of Tory MPs elected for the first time in 2019 declared that only Mr Sunak can save their seats, dismissing suggestions that only Mr Johnson is capable of winning in the so-called red wall areas.
Mr Sunak, who on Friday became the first candidate to receive the required 100 nominations from Tory MPs, last night won the backing of Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch.
She said: “Rishi Sunak is the man for the job. I have, on occasion, been a member of the Boris Johnson fan club. Even when I resigned from his government, I acknowledged his many strengths.
“He has been an asset to the country during some very difficult times.
“However, I am an even bigger fan of Margaret Thatcher, a formidable politician who did not duck difficult decisions, was extremely prudent and successfully carried out major reforms by winning the argument and taking the public with her.
“Mrs Thatcher won the public’s trust and three elections in a row by making it about us, not about her. We need someone who can do the same. I believe that person is Rishi Sunak.”
The former chancellor also won the backing of ex-Brexit Minister Lord Frost, previously a staunch Johnson ally.
The Conservative peer said: “Boris Johnson will always be a hero for delivering Brexit. But we must move on. It is simply not right to risk repeating the chaos and confusion of the last year.
“The Tory Party must get behind a capable leader who can deliver a Conservative programme. That is Rishi Sunak.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 23, 2022-Ausgabe von Sunday Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 23, 2022-Ausgabe von Sunday Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'ENGLAND MUST NAIL MASTER PLAN TO TOPPLE ALLBLACKS'
ELLIOT DALY has revealed the master plan to beat the All Blacks at Twickenham next weekend - and he should know what it is.
TEN HAG STILL ON TIGHTROPE
IF Erik ten Hag needs an opinion on how ruthless Sir Jim Ratcliffe is then he should give Fergie a call.
Tables turned as O'Neil inspires a last-gasp revival
IT was not the maiden win Wolves craved but this felt as good as any victory.
My hospital patients have no idea I write Hollywood blockbusters on days off
SHE IS one of America's bestselling authors with a host of celebrity fans such as Victoria Beckham and Michelle Keegan, both of whom have been spotted reading her novels.
Family plead with killer to reveal where mum hidden
THE killer of Sarah Wellgreen should reveal where he hid her body to give her family closure six years after she disappeared.
'I've found Lucan hiding in Australia'
THE SON of Lord Lucan's murder victim Sandra Rivett believes he has finally tracke( down the fugitive aristocrat in Australia - and will name him for the first time on TV Neil Berriman tells how he is convinced he has cracked one of British history's biggest murder mysteries in a new BBC three-part documentary, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the crime.
Outspoken Haigh and Lammy set for chop in reshuffle
LABOUR insiders are braced for a post-Christmas reshuffle as the Prime Minister relaunches his Government following the resignation of Sue Gray.
Jezza: m not allowed fun after heart op
FORMER Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson says he's \"not allowed to have fun any more\" after heart surgery.
Jenrick calls for school fees VAT relief for 'brave' Armed Forces
TORY leadership candidate Robert Jenrick made a late plea to force families to be spared VAT on school fees.
Kemi: Right leader could kick Keir out in one term
KEMI Badenoch is entering the Conservative leadership race's last week with a plea for Tory voters who backed Reform UK to \"come home\".