Boris Johnson gains support for return as UK prime minister

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is gaining support for a return to 10 Downing Street as the Conservative Party leadership contest kicks off to replace outgoing Prime Minister Lizz Truss.

Johnson remains popular within the party, despite his many scandals and prior resignation. But, while some politicians have begun to throw their support behind the former prime minister, he is by no means the sole contender for the nation's top, non-hereditary job.

At least 37 Conservative lawmakers have backed Johnson publicly, including five cabinet members, Reuters reported. That compares with 70 for former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, and 20 for former Defence Minister Penny Mordaunt. Sunak previously competed in the contest to replace Johnson. While he has not formally announced his bid, Johnson has reportedly told supporters in private that he is "up for it," per the outlet.

Truss announced her resignation this week after fewer than two months in office, making her the shortest serving prime minister in UK history. Truss threw her weight behind a sweeping tax cut plan that met with vehement opposition from both markets and the political establishment. She subsequently walked back the plan and announced her intention to leave office.

Truss's resignation makes her the fourth Tory leader to resign since the 2016 Brexit vote. Prime Minister David Cameron, who opposed leaving the European Union, left office after Britons voted the other way. His successor, Theresa May, resigned after failing to deliver Brexit to the voters. Johnson left office after deliver Brexit due to a myriad of scandals, including parties he held in violation of his on COVID-19 lockdown orders.

The Conservative Party has until 2025 to govern without calling for a general election. As such, determining the next prime minister will only involve Tory membership. A prime minister may call for a general election earlier, however.