British prime ministership race begins

Boris Johnson’s surprising announcement on June 29 that he would not seek the leadership of the British Conservative Party — and by extension, succeed David Cameron as prime minister — leaves five candidates for the job. They are Home Secretary Theresa May, Justice Secretary Michael Gove, Work and Pensions secretary Stephen Crabb, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change Andrea Leadsom and former Defense Secretary Liam Fox.

In a series of votes, Conservative members of Parliament will whittle down the list to two finalists, and the party’s roughly 150,000 members will choose between them. The process is expected to be completed by Sept. 9.

Former London Mayor Boris Johnson’s surprised withdrawal from the race gave opportunities for the candidates.

Theresa May gained momentum in the Conservative Party leadership race thanks to her years of experience in negotiation with the EU in migrant workers and her time championed executive career at the Home Office. You Gov survey showed her taking the lead over Boris Johnson in 55% votes in favor versus 38% for the former mayor. In her campaigning speech, she pledged to reunite Great Britain for reconciliation following divisions in the EU referendum.

Michael Gove made a surprised move to run for the Conservative Party leadership after deciding "reluctantly but firmly" that Boris Johnson was not capable of uniting the party or the country. Conservatives websites survey showed 31% of members in support of his bid for leadership.

Although no clear signals from the Conservatives on who clearly gains an upper hand in the race but anyone who succeeds David Cameron in the next 3 months will face numerous challenges in re-uniting a divided country and tough negotiations with the EU.