Tory leadership election: How the week will unfold
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt have been battling for the top job after beating rival MPs to enter the final two last month.
A new prime minister will enter Number 10 this week as the contest to replace Theresa May as Tory leader draws to a close.
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt have been battling for the top job after beating rival MPs to make the final two last month.
Here’s a look at how the week will play out:
– Monday July 22
The postal ballot among Conservative Party members will close at 5pm. Voting papers were sent out in early July and must be returned by the end of the working day on Monday to be counted.
Meanwhile, the result of another contest – the battle to lead the Liberal Democrats – will be announced on Monday afternoon. Former ministers Sir Ed Davey and Jo Swinson are vying for the job.
– Tuesday July 23
The result of the Conservative leadership contest will be announced late in the morning on Tuesday.
Party chairman Brandon Lewis will make a short speech before Dame Cheryl Gillan and Charles Walker – returning officers of the 1922 Committee – make the announcement.
The new leader of the Conservative Party is expected to make a speech following the result.
– Wednesday July 24
Theresa May will take her final Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons before formally resigning as PM.
She is expected to return to Downing Street after her last stint at the despatch box to have lunch and address Number 10 staff.
Mrs May will then make a short statement to media waiting in the street outside the famous black door before heading to Buckingham Palace to offer her resignation to the Queen.
The monarch will then meet the new leader of the Tory Party – either Mr Johnson or Mr Hunt – at the Palace and invite him to form a new government.
Traditionally, the new prime minister makes a statement in Downing Street before stepping into Number 10 for the first time as PM.
– Thursday July 25
The new prime minister is likely to spend his first full day in office finalising his Government – with appointments to the Cabinet and ministerial team expected.
The Commons will rise for the summer recess, with MPs not due to return until September 3.
– Friday July 26
The Cabinet reshuffle could continue into Friday, with the new prime minister finalising his team ahead of the summer.
He may also make his first official visit as PM to one of the four regions of the UK – like Mrs May’s trip to Scotland on her second day in office – or perhaps head to Brussels to in a bid to reopen Brexit negotiations.
