"After careful consideration and discussing with colleagues and family, I have taken the decision not to enter the contest for leadership of the Conservative Party. I am very grateful to all my parliamentary colleagues and wider members who have pledged support," Wallace said on Twitter.
It has not been an easy choice to make, but my focus is on my current job and keeping this great country safe. I wish the very best of luck to all candidates and hope we swiftly return to focusing on the issues that we are all elected to address. 2/2
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) July 9, 2022
On Thursday, Sky News reported that Wallace, a clear favorite in the potential race among party members, was discussing the possibility to run for leadership. A snap YouGov polling of 716 Conservative party members revealed that he topped the list with 13% of the vote.
Outgoing UK Prime Minister and Tory leader Boris Johnson has been grappling with calls to resign after a series of scandals over violations of COVID-19 regulations throughout 2020 and 2021. Earlier this week, another scandal with the appointment of Christopher Pincher, who was vetted by Johnson as deputy chief whip of the Conservatives despite accusations of sexual misconduct, led to a string of resignations and eventually forced Johnson to step down both as the prime minister and head of the UK's Conservative Party. He will remain in office until a new appointment is made.
Following Johnson's decision, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced his bid for the Tory leadership. Attorney General for England and Wales Suella Braverman also said she plans to run, as well as ex-Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch.
Among other potential yet still unconfirmed candidates to replace BoJo is Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.
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