Boris Johnson could be poised to make a dramatic comeback as Prime Minister. At Westminster today the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace endorsed Mr Johnson as Penny Mourdant became the first Minister to announce she would run.
Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering his position tonight.
A second Johnson Premiership could prove difficult for the Scottish Conservatives. Many believe the former Premier’s unpopularity cost the Scottish party votes at the last Holyrood election.
The top two candidates will go to an online ballot of party members assuming there is no coronation for a single candidate.
The result will be known a week today. In terms of MPs who have indicated a preference to date, over 60 are backing the former Chancellor Rishi Sunak with around 40 for Mr Johnson and 17 for Penny Mordaunt.
There appears to be growing support for the idea of Mr Johnson returning. If that were to happen and it is still a big if, it would probably hardwire a split in the party from day one.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
