Liz Truss quits: Rishi Sunak's chance to be first Indian-origin UK PM, or will Penny Mordaunt prevail?

With Liz Truss gone as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the focus is back on Indian-origin politician Rishi Sunak. Truss had defeated Sunak in the recent Conservative party leadership contest to become the Prime Minister.

Sunak had served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer under Boris Johnson. He had given stiff competition to Truss in the last race, defeating the other contenders to reach the final round. In voting by Conservative party members, Sunak had secured over 60,000 votes against Truss' 81,000.

If Sunak wins now, he would be UK's first Indian-origin PM.

Another frontrunner to replace Liz Truss is Penny Mordaunt, the current leader of the House of Commons. A former Defence Secretary, Mordaunt is believed to have support within various factions of the Conservative party.

Another favourite to be the next PM is Jeremy Hunt. He was recently made the Chancellor after Kwasi Kwarteng resigned following financial turmoil over his mini-Budget. Hunt has reportedly climbed the list of favourites even though he has ruled out that he would take part in the contest.

While announcing her resignation on 20 October 2022, Liz Truss said that the next PM would be decided within the next week.