Front runners in UK leadership race

Contenders to succeed Boris Johnson as British prime minister must secure the backing of 120 MPs to reach the final shortlist of two candidates


Jul 18-21: Shortlist of two decided after fellow MPs eliminate three of five remaining candidates

Jul-Sep: Final two candidates put to postal vote of Tory party members
      
Sep 5: Leader elected
    
 
Rishi Sunak, 42: Former Chancellor 

Tax: Pledge to cut taxes once inflation – which hit 40-year high of 9.1% in May – is under control

Immigration: Britain must control its borders. Supports plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda

Cost of living: As finance minister Sunak handed out £37 billion to combat rising costs

Brexit: Voted Leave


Penny Mordaunt, 49: Trade Minister

Tax: Pledges to slash VAT on fuel by 50% and raise tax thresholds for basic and middle-income earners

Immigration: Crack down on people smugglers. Supports plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda

Cost of living: Focus on getting inflation under control, working closely with central bank

Brexit: Voted Leave


Liz Truss, 46: Foreign Secretary

Tax: Pledge to immediately cut taxes and reverse recent rise in social security contributions          
      
Immigration: As Foreign Secretary she was member of Johnson cabinet that approved Rwanda plan
   
Russia: Sanctions should continue until full withdrawal from Ukraine  

Brexit: Voted Remain    
                     
 
Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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