As pressure on the Prime Minister reaches new heights it is worth considering who is actually most likely to be the next person to occupy Number 10. Following his fine for breaking the Covid law he himself wrote Boris Johnson has been facing relentless calls to step down from opposition MPs but also elements within his own party.
However one of the key things staying the hand of Tory MPs is the lack of a clear successor. Previous favourite Rishi Sunak was also fined for attending an illegal party while he has also faced significant criticism o the tax status of his wife.
However the sharks do appear to be circling. It was recently reported that the Sue Gray report into the parties was likely to be very damaging for the PM. This combined with what could be a disappointing local election night may set the wheels in motion for the PM's removal. But who is most likely to replace him? WalesOnline has gone through the latest betting odds for who will be the next Prime Minister of the UK.
Sir Keir Starmer - 6/1
The bookies believe that the most likely next occupant of Number 10 will be the Labour leader. This either means there will be no coup against Boris within the Tory party or, if there is a leadership contest, Mr Johnson will retain the support of the wider party. Mr Starmer is currently polling above Mr Johnson in terms of net approval but has hardly taken the pols by storm given the perilous position his opponent is in.
Liz Truss - 7/1
Once derided by many (not least for an incredibly passionate speech about cheese) Liz Truss has become the leading Conservative to replace Boris Johnson according to the bookmakers. Truss was elected in the 2010 election and has held several cabinet positions.
Jeremy Hunt - 9/1
The former foreign and health secretary Jeremy Hunt is one of the frontrunning Tories to replace Mr Johnson. Before entering politics he was an English teacher in Japan and ran against Boris Johnson in the 2019 leadership bid after Theresa May stepped down.
Tom Tugendhat - 10/1
Conservative chairman of the foreign affairs select committee Mr Tugendhat served in both Afghanistan and Iraq has been critical of the government several times. He has also said he would run for leader if there was an opportunity. He is seen favourably by the centrist elements of the Conservative Party.
Rishi Sunak - 10/1
Though tainted by the recent events in Downing Street the Chancellor is still among the favourite with the bookies. He is seen by many Tory MPs as damaged goods and would need to go a long way to explain to fellow party members why he is a better option than Mr Johnson.
Penny Mordaunt - 14/1
Part of the last intake of MPs Penny Mordaunt is currently trade minister. She is perceived as being popular with red wall seats in the north of England.
Other notable (and some highly unlikely) candidates for the next PM
- Nadhim Zahawi - 20/1
- Sajid Javid -22/1
- Michael Gove - 33/1
- Dominic Raab - 33/1
- Priti Patel - 40/1
- Jacob Rees-Mogg - 80/1
- Angela Rayner - 80/1
- Matt Hancock - 100/1
- Theresa May - 200/1
- Liz Saville Roberts - 500/1
