Rishi Sunak emerges as front runner for prime minister in U.K. after Johnson drops bid

Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak seen at 10 Downing Street.
(Image credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak, the former British Chancellor and a visible star within the Conservative Party, officially announced his bid Sunday to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom. He now appears to be the front-runner for the job after former Prime Minister Boris Johnson dropped out of the race.

Sunak had been tapped as a likely potential candidate to replace Prime Minister Liz Truss, who announced her resignation after just 45 days in office amidst a growing economic crisis in the U.K.

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.