Former UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak launches bid to replace Boris Johnson

Sunak's leadership bid follows the Thursday resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson

By Ben Whedon

Former United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer Rushi Sunak announced on Friday that he would stand in the Conservative Party leadership contest to become the next prime minister.

Sunak's leadership bid follows the Thursday resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson following a series of scandals and high profile resignations from his cabinet, including Sunak who resigned his post on July 5.

Johnson came under fire over the "partygate" scandal pertaining to a number of parties the former UK leader held in violation of COVID restrictions. Sunak received a fine for appearing at Boris Johnson's birthday party, one of said illicit gatherings, according to the Epoch Times.

The former chancellor aired a twitter campaign ad on Friday which featured his family's experience in the United Kingdom and focused on Sunak's family values.

I’m standing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and your Prime Minister.

Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country. #Ready4Rishi

Sign up 👉 https://t.co/KKucZTV7N1 pic.twitter.com/LldqjLRSgF

— Ready For Rishi (@RishiSunak) July 8, 2022

The British people do not directly elect the prime minister, but rather, the majority party in Parliament chooses a leader from within their ranks to lead both the party and the nation.