Rishi Sunak might become the UK’s first prime minister of Indian descent today

If Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the Conservative party, is unable to secure the backing of more than 100 MPs, Rishi Sunak, might become the first person of Indian descent to serve as prime minister of the United Kingdom.

As Boris Johnson, who was planning a dramatic return to power, withdrew from the race, saying that although he had enough support to make it to the final round, he realised the country and the Conservative Party needed unity, Indian-origin MP Rishi Sunak appears to be on track to become the next British Prime Minister.

The former British finance minister may wind up becoming the nation’s new prime minister today if Sunak’s rival Penny Mordaunt is unable to win over 100 MPs by October 24. While 29 MPs are now supporting Mordaunt, 142 members of parliament have already endorsed Sunak.

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In the event that Mordaunt is unable to secure the support of 100 MPs by October 24 at 2 PM local time, Rishi Sunak will become the new prime minister (6:30 PM in India).

Johnson has said that running for president would be incorrect since effective government requires a united party in Parliament. He also decided to drop out of the race because he was unable to reach an agreement with Sunak and Mordaunt.

In a tweet, Sunak tweeted and said, “The United Kingdom is a great country, but we face a profound economic crisis. That’s why I am standing to be Leader of the Conservative Party and your next Prime Minister.”

“I want to fix our economy, unite our Party and deliver for our country,” Sunak wrote. Following Truss’ resignation as prime minister on Thursday in response to the opposition’s renewed call for a general election, Sunak made his declaration.

On October 24, Conservative MPs will vote, and two candidates for the party’s leadership will be put forward unless one withdraws from the race. The results will be made public on October 28.

Liz Truss, the British prime minister with the shortest tenure, had already announced her resignation and said she couldn’t fulfil the conditions of her election. She was in charge for 45 days.