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Rishi Sunak has agreed to stay in his post until a new leader for the Conservatives is elected, but who that will be no-one knows yet.
The contest to decide who should be the next leader of the Conservative Party has begun, although the race has not got off to a quick start.
Rishi Sunak has agreed to stay in his position as interim leader of the party until a new successor has been chosen, but quite who that will be remains unclear.
James Cleverly was the first MP to confirm he is standing to be the next Tory party leader.
Mr Cleverly has said his party's loss in the election was down to "too much time rowing amongst ourselves".
While announcing his intention to run, Mr Cleverly has also quashed notions of the Conservatives merging with Reform and said the party needs to broaden its appeal and show more "self discipline".
Next to put his name in the hat was Tom Tugendhat, who shared a video on X writing: "People want their leaders to be straight with them. No games. No gimmicks. This is why I’m running to be Leader of the Conservative Party."
Robert Jenrick was the third to step forward, with his bid announced by his campaign team. Mr Jenrick already has the backing of 10 Tory MPs needed to to be put on the ballot.
More candidates are expected to announce their bids in the next few days, with Monday the deadline to get nominations.
Any contender will need at least 10 colleagues backing them in order to enter the three month race to take over from Mr Sunak.
It is understood that Priti Patel will put her hat in the ring, according to The Telegraph, however she has yet to offiically announce her candidancy.
A number of other candidates are expected to put themselves forward, including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Another popular MP within the party widely anticipated to run is Kemi Badenoch, however she has not yet officially announce her candidacy.
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Conservative leadership battle timetable
Nominations will open on July 24 at 7pm, closing on July 29 at 7.30pm. Each candidate needs the backing of 10 MPs to secure their place on the ballot.
In September, the candidates will be whittled down to four, each of whom will appeal to party members during the Conservative Party conference.
MPs will then vote to select the final two candidates. A final round of votes will then take place online - with party members voting for who will become leader by October 31.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 2.
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