Boris Johnson returns to Britain to launch a potential political comeback

London
CNN
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Boris Johnson He flew back to London on Saturday morning, hoping that his arrival at Gatwick Airport would be the start of a triumphant return to 10 Downing Street.

Johnson, who was ousted as prime minister in July due to a series of scandals, has arrived in the UK from his holiday in the Caribbean intending to join the race to replace British news agency BA Media quoted Liz Truss as prime minister, allies said.

The Palestinian News Agency reported that Johnson told British Trade Secretary James Doddridge that he was “in favor of it”. He indicated that he will contest the leadership despite the fact that he is still under parliamentary investigation over allegations that he lied to MPs.

gears quit On Thursday, just six weeks into her disastrous tenure that plunged Britain deep into political and economic turmoil. Her successor will be the fifth prime minister to lead the country since it voted for Britain to leave the European Union in 2016.

Former Home Secretary Priti Patel on Saturday became a vocal supporter of Johnson in his bid to become prime minister. “Boris has the mandate to deliver our elected statement and a track record of getting the big decisions right,” she said on Twitter.

but this A possible return to the top job has divided opinions within the Conservative Party, with many lawmakers horrified at the prospect of Johnson taking over as prime minister for a second time.

Even his former deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Dominic Raab, told the BBC: “We can’t go back” and suggested Johnson was facing an investigation into the so-called Partgate scandal at illegal gatherings in Downing Street.

The former prime minister is expected in the next few weeks to appear before the House of Commons Privileges Committee which is investigating whether he misled Parliament about parties, which could lead to his suspension or expulsion as a Member of Parliament.

Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, which represents Conservative MPs, said the new prime minister would be chosen next Friday. He said candidates to replace Truss would need at least 100 nominations from party lawmakers by 2 p.m. local time on Monday. The threshold effectively narrows the field of potential candidates to a maximum of three.

If one candidate meets this limit, he will automatically become a leader. Otherwise, online polling for party members will close on Friday, October 28.

British news agency BA Media reported Friday that if he can get the required number of supporters, Johnson will join former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, who has already reached the threshold.

Sunak, who lost to Truss during the final round of the previous driving contest, has not officially announced his candidacy. CNN has reached out to Sunak representatives for comment.

Penny Mordaunt, leader of the House of Commons, also threw her name into the ring. Mordaunt came third in the last leadership election after Truss and Snack.