2019 Conservative Party leadership election

After the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum saw a 52% to 48% vote in favour of leaving, David Cameron resigned as leader of the Conservative Party and as prime minister, triggering the 2016 Conservative Party leadership election.{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Heather |last2=Asthana |first2=Anushka |title=Brexit: David Cameron resignation sparks Tory party leadership contest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/tory-party-embarks-on-leadership-contest-after-camerons-resignation |work=The Guardian |date=24 June 2016 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=6 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006080558/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/tory-party-embarks-on-leadership-contest-after-camerons-resignation |url-status=live }} Theresa May, then serving as home secretary, won the contest after the withdrawal of Andrea Leadsom, and succeeded Cameron as prime minister on 13 July 2016.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/36764109 |title=Theresa May will become UK Prime Minister on Wednesday |publisher=BBC |date=12 July 2016 |access-date=29 May 2019 |archive-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804133959/https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/36764109 |url-status=live }}

{{Brexit sidebar}}May began the process of Brexit, the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, by triggering Article 50 on 29 March 2017.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39431070 |title=Brexit: The UK's letter triggering Article 50 |publisher=BBC News |date=29 March 2017 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727021730/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39431070 |url-status=live }} In April 2017, May announced a snap general election in June in order to "strengthen her hand" when she negotiated with the European Union.{{cite news |last=MacDonell |first=Hamish |title=May calls on voters to strengthen her hand in Brussels negotiation |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/may-calls-on-voters-to-strengthen-her-hand-in-brussels-negotiation-87pstrkq7 |work=The Times |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224524/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/may-calls-on-voters-to-strengthen-her-hand-in-brussels-negotiation-87pstrkq7 |url-status=live }} May aimed to substantially increase the Conservative Party's slim majority, with opinion polls originally predicting a landslide victory for her party.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40237833 |title=Theresa May: 10 reasons why the PM blew her majority |publisher=BBC News |date=14 June 2017 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211190523/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40237833 |url-status=live }} However, the result was a hung parliament, with the number of Conservative seats falling from 330 to 317.{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-09/uk-election-results-in-hung-parliament:-bbc/8603456 |title=UK Election 2017 |work=ABC News |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912145107/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-09/uk-election-results-in-hung-parliament:-bbc/8603456 |url-status=live }} This prompted her to broker a confidence and supply deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to support her minority government.{{cite news |last=Hunt |first=Alex |title=Theresa May and the DUP deal: What you need to know |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40245514 |publisher=BBC News |date=26 June 2017 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=23 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123150803/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40245514 |url-status=live }}

May's handling of the campaign was widely criticised, particularly the role of her chiefs of staff Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, who both resigned within days of the result.{{cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/mays-top-aides-nick-timothy-and-fiona-hill-resign-after-election-10910828 |title=May's top aides Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill resign after election |publisher=Sky News |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214001546/https://news.sky.com/story/mays-top-aides-nick-timothy-and-fiona-hill-resign-after-election-10910828 |url-status=live }} In June 2017, George Osborne, a former chancellor of the Exchequer, described May as a "dead woman walking".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40237819 |title=General election 2017: Theresa May is 'best placed person' for Brexit |publisher=BBC News |date=11 June 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227072727/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40237819 |url-status=live }} A YouGov poll for The Sunday Times had 48% of respondents saying May should resign, with 38% against. A Survation poll for The Mail on Sunday showed a similar result.{{cite web |url=http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/48-think-theresa-may-should-step-down-as-prime-minister-poll-shows-11364187027615 |title=48% think Theresa May should step down as Prime Minister, poll shows |website=home.bt.com |date=11 June 2017 |access-date=14 June 2017 |archive-date=14 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614214826/http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/48-think-theresa-may-should-step-down-as-prime-minister-poll-shows-11364187027615 |url-status=dead}} The former Cabinet minister Anna Soubry called for May to "consider her position" after the election result.{{cite web |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/anna-soubry-theresa-may-consider-position/ |title=Anna Soubry calls for Theresa May to 'consider her position' |work=iNews |date=9 June 2017 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215022216/https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/anna-soubry-theresa-may-consider-position/ |url-status=live }} The former Cabinet minister Nicky Morgan said that May could not lead the Conservative Party into the next general election, and called for a leadership election in the summer or in 2018 before the Brexit deal would be finalised.{{cite news |last=Watt |first=Nicholas |title=Nicky Morgan: Tories should consider replacing Theresa May |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40437737 |publisher=BBC News |date=28 June 2017 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=28 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128213725/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40437737 |url-status=live }} After the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, May's leadership faced further criticism following her initial refusal to meet victims, and what was described as her poor handling of the crisis.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jun/11/theresa-may-grenfell-tower-fire-response-not-good-enough |title=Theresa May calls her response to Grenfell fire 'not good enough' |first=Peter |last=Walker |date=11 June 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=12 December 2018 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215065742/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jun/11/theresa-may-grenfell-tower-fire-response-not-good-enough |url-status=live}}

With May's position weakened, senior figures in the party were said to be preparing for a leadership contest and "jostling for succession".{{cite news |last=Parker |first=George |title=Theresa May braced for a fall as Brexit tests loom |url=https://www.ft.com/content/02f15952-6099-11e7-8814-0ac7eb84e5f1 |url-access=subscription |work=Financial Times |date=4 July 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=3 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903082319/https://amp.ft.com/content/02f15952-6099-11e7-8814-0ac7eb84e5f1 |url-status=live }} Politicians and journalists did not expect May to lead the party at the next general election. Tim Shipman, Political Editor of The Sunday Times, described "the first shots in a battle that could tear the government apart" as the three leading contenders at that time for the leadership, David Davis, Boris Johnson and Philip Hammond, briefed against each other.{{cite news |last=Shipman |first=Tim |title=Mr Grey, Mr Blond and Mr Brexit: battle of the big guns |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/mr-grey-mr-blond-and-mr-brexit-battle-of-the-big-guns-sj0zs2pzz |work=The Times |date=16 July 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810051504/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mr-grey-mr-blond-and-mr-brexit-battle-of-the-big-guns-sj0zs2pzz |url-status=live }} Andrew Mitchell, an ally of Davis, was said to have told a dinner that May was finished and was said to be organising letters to force May to announce her date of departure.{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Rowena |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/09/theresa-may-pressure-to-quit-former-ministers-andrew-mitchell-grant-shapps |title=May attempts to reassert grip over Tory party amid talk of challenge |work=The Guardian |date=9 July 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=5 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905085025/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/09/theresa-may-pressure-to-quit-former-ministers-andrew-mitchell-grant-shapps |url-status=live }} A July 2017 report in The Independent said a core of fifteen Conservative MPs were ready to sign letters of no confidence, with forty-eight needed to trigger a contest.{{cite news |last=Osborne |first=Samuel |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-no-confidence-letter-tory-conservative-mps-jeremy-corbyn-a7855451.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723160628/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-no-confidence-letter-tory-conservative-mps-jeremy-corbyn-a7855451.html |archive-date=23 July 2017 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=15 Tory MPs 'sign no confidence letter in Theresa May' |work=The Independent |date=23 July 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017}}

May reportedly announced to Conservative MPs in August 2017 that she would resign as prime minister on 30 August 2019.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Adam |title=Theresa May is apparently 'going to resign in 2019' |url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/27/theresa-may-is-apparently-going-to-resign-in-2019-6881925/ |work=Metro |date=27 August 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=31 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831225432/http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/27/theresa-may-is-apparently-going-to-resign-in-2019-6881925/ |url-status=live }} She then announced on 31 August 2017 that she intended to stay on to fight the next general election, which under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 was scheduled to be in 2022, though it could be held earlier.{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Robert |title=Theresa May vows to fight next UK election as prime minister |url=https://www.ft.com/content/182055d0-8d80-11e7-a352-e46f43c5825d |work=Financial Times |date=31 August 2017 |access-date=31 August 2017 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=31 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831054938/https://www.ft.com/content/182055d0-8d80-11e7-a352-e46f43c5825d |url-status=live }}

On 16 September 2017, Johnson published an article in The Daily Telegraph laying out his vision for Brexit. Many saw this as a way of positioning himself for a leadership challenge, though some commentators such as columnist Iain Dale and Newsnight{{'}}s political editor Nick Watt argued this was the wrong interpretation and that Johnson's motivation was to assert his influence in Brexit negotiations.{{cite web |url=https://yougov.co.uk/opi/surveys/results#/survey/f239f61c-9c54-11e7-8370-e14fde485354/question/60e9d673-9c55-11e7-9df1-dfcb2e853687/toplines |title=What was Boris Johnson's motive for writing about Brexit? Plus, paedophile hunters and binge watching TV results |date=18 September 2017 |website=yougov.co.uk |publisher=YouGov |access-date=18 September 2017 |archive-date=15 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615201342/https://yougov.co.uk/opi/surveys/results#/survey/f239f61c-9c54-11e7-8370-e14fde485354/question/60e9d673-9c55-11e7-9df1-dfcb2e853687/toplines |url-status=live }}{{cite book |last=Merrick |first=Rob |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-cabinet-boris-johnson-brexit-manifesto-conservatives-tory-leader-prime-minister-a7953866.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918163537/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-cabinet-boris-johnson-brexit-manifesto-conservatives-tory-leader-prime-minister-a7953866.html |archive-date=18 September 2017 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Theresa May just responded to Boris Johnson's '£350m claim' for the NHS |date=18 September 2017 |work=The Independent |access-date=18 September 2017}} The timing of the article—a few days before May was due to give a significant speech on her plans for the UK's relationship with Europe after Brexit, and shortly after a terrorist attack in London—was criticised.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41307263 |title=May 'driving from the front' on Brexit |publisher=BBC News |date=18 September 2017 |access-date=18 September 2017 |archive-date=18 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918151410/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41307263 |url-status=live }}{{cite AV media |people=Nick Watt (political editor) and Iain Dale (guest) |access-date=18 September 2017 |date=18 September 2017 |title=Interview |medium=Television |series=Newsnight |publisher=BBC Two |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b095z9qz |archive-date=16 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916214015/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b095z9qz |url-status=live }}

Following Cabinet agreement for May's proposals on Brexit, Davis resigned as Brexit secretary on 8 July 2018.{{cite news |last=Rayner |first=Gordon |title=David Davis resigns as Brexit secretary |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/07/08/david-davis-resigns-brexit-secretary/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/07/08/david-davis-resigns-brexit-secretary/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=8 July 2018}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |title=Brexit Secretary David Davis resigns |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-44761056 |publisher=BBC News |date=9 July 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708231608/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-44761056 |url-status=live }} Steve Baker, a minister in the same department, resigned later the same day.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-44766822/steve-baker-on-his-resignation-as-brexit-minister |title=Steve Baker on his resignation as Brexit minister |date=9 July 2018 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715175635/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-44766822/steve-baker-on-his-resignation-as-brexit-minister |url-status=live }} On the same day it was reported that May was facing the threat of a leadership contest amid mounting anger from supporters of a hard Brexit over her government's Brexit policy.{{cite book |last=Kentish |first=Benjamin |title=Theresa May faces leadership challenge threat from Tory Brexiteers |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-latest-theresa-may-leadership-challenge-plan-tories-mps-chequers-jacob-rees-mogg-a8437706.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708212608/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-latest-theresa-may-leadership-challenge-plan-tories-mps-chequers-jacob-rees-mogg-a8437706.html |archive-date=2018-07-08 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=8 July 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018}} Backbencher Andrea Jenkyns called for her to be replaced, saying "Theresa May's premiership is over".{{cite news |last=Hartmann |first=Margaret |url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/07/top-uk-brexit-officials-resign-in-blow-to-theresa-may.html |title=Top Brexit officials resign in blow to Theresa May |date=9 July 2018 |work=NY Mag |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=30 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730181435/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/07/top-uk-brexit-officials-resign-in-blow-to-theresa-may.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/brexit/2018/0709/977344-brexit-british-government/ |title=May to fight any leadership challenge |publisher=RTÉ |date=9 July 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=9 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709153655/https://www.rte.ie/news/brexit/2018/0709/977344-brexit-british-government/ |url-status=live }} Johnson later resigned as foreign secretary on 9 July 2018.{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Heather |last2=Crerar |first2=Pippa |last3=Sabbagh |first3=Dan |title=May's plan 'sticks in the throat', says Boris Johnson as he resigns over Brexit |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/09/boris-johnson-resigns-as-foreign-secretary-brexit |work=The Guardian |date=9 July 2018 |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=31 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831034544/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/09/boris-johnson-resigns-as-foreign-secretary-brexit |url-status=live }}

A Daily Telegraph article by Johnson opposing the burqa ban in Denmark in early August 2018 sparked controversy over the language he used, saying women wearing the burqa look like letterboxes or bank robbers. Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, writing in the New York Times, saw it as an attempt to court an anti-Islamic segment of the Conservative Party membership, who would be the electorate in the final stage of a leadership campaign.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/08/world/europe/boris-johnson-trump-burqa.html|title=Boris Johnson, a 'Burqa Storm' and perhaps some populist calculations|last=de Freytas-Tamura|first=Kimiko|date=8 August 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=8 August 2018|archive-date=8 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808212354/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/08/world/europe/boris-johnson-trump-burqa.html|url-status=live}} Former attorney general Dominic Grieve said that he would not remain in the party if Johnson became leader.{{cite AV media |people=Evan Davis (presenter) and Dominic Grieve (guest) |access-date=8 August 2018 |date=8 August 2018 |title=Interview |medium=Television |series=Newsnight |publisher=BBC Two |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bf55t3 |archive-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204210715/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bf55t3 |url-status=live }}

In November 2018, May presented her final proposal for an initial Brexit deal following negotiations with the EU. Brexit secretary Dominic Raab and others resigned from the Cabinet in response,{{cite news |title=Raab quits over 'flawed' Brexit agreement |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46219495 |publisher=BBC News |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=16 November 2018 |archive-date=21 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221025948/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46219495 |url-status=live }} with Jacob Rees-Mogg calling for a leadership election for the first time. Members of the Eurosceptic European Research Group including Rees-Mogg and Baker were seen to be launching a coup in mid-November following the Cabinet resignations. There was considerable speculation about whether enough letters of no confidence would be reached to trigger a vote.{{cite AV media |people=Kirsty Wark (presenter) |access-date=15 November 2018 |date=15 November 2018 |title=Interview |medium=Television |series=Newsnight |publisher=BBC Two |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bs3qgj |archive-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204195258/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bs3qgj |url-status=live }}

Fifteen percent of the parliamentary party (forty-eight MPs) need to send a letter to the chairman of the 1922 Committee to trigger a no confidence vote in the Conservative Party leader. As of early afternoon on 16 November 2018, the BBC reported there were twenty-one MPs who had publicly stated they had sent a letter.{{cite news |title=Who has written no confidence letters? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46237174 |publisher=BBC News |date=17 November 2018 |access-date=19 November 2018 |archive-date=19 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119011215/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46237174 |url-status=live }} Baker asserted that more letters had been sent and that he expected forty-eight to be reached in the week beginning 19 November.{{cite news |last1=Wheeler |first1=Brian |last2=Moseley |first2=Tom |title=Brexit debate dominates Sunday interviews |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-46200010 |publisher=BBC News |date=13 November 2018 |access-date=16 November 2018 |archive-date=15 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115231042/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-46200010 |url-status=live }} Some commentators expressed scepticism about this prediction.{{cite news |last=Rogan |first=Tom |title=Brexit plotters give us a lesson on how not to do a coup |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/brexit-plotters-give-us-a-lesson-on-how-not-to-do-a-coup |work=Washington Examiner |date=16 November 2018 |access-date=17 November 2018 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116214428/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/brexit-plotters-give-us-a-lesson-on-how-not-to-do-a-coup |url-status=live }} By 19 November 2018, twenty-six MPs publicly said they had submitted letters.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46237174 |title=Who has written no confidence letters? |publisher=BBC News |date=19 November 2018 |access-date=19 November 2018 |archive-date=19 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119011215/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46237174 |url-status=live }} Baker also suggested that the ERG could draw lots for who would be their candidate in a leadership election.{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Heather |title=May the force be with her? The PM digs in with her Brexit deal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/16/may-the-force-be-with-her-theresa-pm-digs-in-with-her-brexit-deal |work=The Guardian |date=16 November 2018 |access-date=19 November 2018 |archive-date=18 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118180649/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/16/may-the-force-be-with-her-theresa-pm-digs-in-with-her-brexit-deal |url-status=live }} By 20 November, the forty-eight letters had not been reached, with Rees-Mogg predicting that it may be reached in December when the House of Commons was due to vote on May's deal.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46269757 |title=Don't get stuck with May, Rees-Mogg warns |publisher=BBC News |date=20 November 2018 |access-date=21 November 2018 |archive-date=21 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121004652/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46269757 |url-status=live }} However, facing likely defeat with opposition from the ERG, DUP and Conservative MPs who had supported Remain during the referendum, the vote in Parliament was delayed to January.

Conservative MPs including Dominic Grieve and Kwasi Kwarteng suggested that the party could see members leaving the party or a formal split if the party were led by Johnson.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/09/esther-mcvey-hard-for-theresa-may-to-stay-if-she-cant-renegotiate-brexit-deal |title=Johnson, McVey and Raab each hint at Tory leadership ambitions |last1=Elgot |first1=Jessica |date=9 December 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=10 December 2018 |last2=Sabbagh |first2=Dan |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=10 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210014643/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/09/esther-mcvey-hard-for-theresa-may-to-stay-if-she-cant-renegotiate-brexit-deal |url-status=live }}

By 11 December, the public count was still at twenty-six letters from MPs. That day, however, Owen Paterson publicly sent his letter and it later became clear that forty-eight letters had been submitted.{{cite news |title=Pressure mounting on May from Tory MPs |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46532747 |publisher=BBC News |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215045203/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46532747 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/11/brexit-deal-latest-theresa-may-eu-juncker-tells-may-deal-could-be-clarified-but-no-room-whatsoever-for-renegotiation-politics-live |title=Brexit: Challenge to May's leadership intensifies as senior Tory declares 'no confidence' – Politics Live as it happened |first1=Andrew |last1=Sparrow |first2=Kevin |last2=Rawlinson |first3=Lisa |last3=O'Carroll |first4=Heather |last4=Stewart |first5=Lisa |last5=O'Carroll |first6=Dan |last6=Sabbagh |first7=Andrew |last7=Sparrow |first8=Steven |last8=Morris |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |via=www.theguardian.com |archive-date=11 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211222121/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/11/brexit-deal-latest-theresa-may-eu-juncker-tells-may-deal-could-be-clarified-but-no-room-whatsoever-for-renegotiation-politics-live |url-status=live }} May was informed, and chose to contest the vote.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-46533245 |title=Tory MPs to decide on May's future as leader |date=8 December 2017 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212085214/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-46533245 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live |title=May says new PM would have to delay Brexit if she loses confidence vote – politics live |first1=Andrew |last1=Sparrow |first2=Matthew |last2=Weaver |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |via=www.theguardian.com |archive-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214035218/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live |url-status=live }} The confidence vote, held on 12 December, was a secret ballot of Conservative MPs.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46535739 |title=Theresa May faces no confidence vote |date=12 December 2018 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212075204/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46535739 |url-status=live }}

In the week, May had been meeting EU leaders to discuss changes to her Brexit deal, but cancelled a planned 12 December meeting with the Irish Taoiseach in order to campaign to win the confidence vote. May and her supporters argued that a defeat for her would mean that Brexit would have to be delayed.{{cite news |last=Kuenssberg |first=Laura |author-link=Laura Kuenssberg |title=No surprise in May's defiance |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46536716 |publisher=BBC News |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212115351/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46536716 |url-status=live }} In a speech to Conservative MPs immediately before voting, May said that she did not intend to lead the party into the 2022 general election{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/12/theresa-may-signals-she-will-step-down-before-2022-election |title=May signals she will step down before 2022 election |work=The Guardian |last1=Stewart |first1=Heather |last2=Walker |first2=Peter |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212225415/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/12/theresa-may-signals-she-will-step-down-before-2022-election |url-status=live }} and that she would seek a legally binding addition to the withdrawal agreement with the EU to address concerns over the Northern Ireland backstop.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46547832 |title=May: I won't lead Tories into election |date=13 December 2018 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=14 December 2018 |archive-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213134713/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46547832 |url-status=live }}

Two MPs who had been suspended from the party, Andrew Griffiths and Charlie Elphicke, had the whip restored on the day of the vote, meaning they could also vote. Griffiths indicated his support for May; Elphicke declined to indicate his preference.{{cite news |title=Tories reinstate MPs suspended over sex allegations for confidence vote |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-suspended-over-sex-allegations-reinstated-for-confidence-vote |access-date=13 December 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212225407/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-suspended-over-sex-allegations-reinstated-for-confidence-vote |url-status=live }} There were 317 Conservative MPs able to vote. Every member of the Cabinet declared their support for May, including Leave supporters in the Cabinet like Michael Gove and Liam Fox. Notable Remain supporters in the Conservative Party including Anna Soubry also declared support for May, as did May's predecessor, David Cameron, and the leader and acting leader of the Scottish Conservatives.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live |title=May could offer to stand down before election to win support in confidence vote – politics live |first1=Andrew |last1=Sparrow |first2=Matthew |last2=Weaver |first3=Libby |last3=Brooks |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |via=www.theguardian.com |archive-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214035218/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live |url-status=live }} The Tory Reform Group announced their support for May.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live |title=May could offer to stand down before election to win support in confidence vote – politics live |first1=Andrew |last1=Sparrow |first2=Matthew |last2=Weaver |first3=Jessica |last3=Elgot |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |via=www.theguardian.com |archive-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214035218/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live |url-status=live }} Notable Leave supporters outside the Cabinet, including Jacob Rees-Mogg and Bill Cash, said they would vote against her.

May won the vote by 200 for to 117 against. Brexit-supporting MPs varied in their response to the result: some, including Rees-Mogg and Raab, called on her to resign nevertheless, while others such as Paterson called on her to change her Brexit policy.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-politics-46533245 |title=MPs cheer as May wins leadership vote |date=12 December 2018 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212113717/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-politics-46533245 |url-status=live }} As May won this vote, another party leader confidence vote could not be held for one year under standing rules.

File:Theresa May declares resignation.jpg on 24 May 2019; she left office on 24 July]]

On 27 March 2019, May said she would resign before the next stage of EU negotiations if her Brexit deal was passed.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47729773 |title=Government plans new Brexit vote |publisher=BBC News |date=28 March 2019 |access-date=17 May 2019 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427190432/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47729773 |url-status=live }} With no resolution around Brexit plans, there was continuing pressure for May to resign through April 2019.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityam.com/276898/theresa-may-faces-fresh-coup-attempt-grassroot-tories-force |title=Grassroot Tories to hold emergency summit in bid to oust May |first=James |last=Warrington |date=30 April 2019 |work=City AM |access-date=1 May 2019 |archive-date=1 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501093513/http://www.cityam.com/276898/theresa-may-faces-fresh-coup-attempt-grassroot-tories-force |url-status=live }}

Following poor Conservative results in the 2019 local elections—the worst since 1995, when the party lost over 1,000 seats—there were further calls from Conservatives for May to resign.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/03/theresa-may-under-pressure-quit-local-election-losses |title=Theresa May under pressure to quit after local election losses |first1=Rajeev |last1=Syal |first2=Libby |last2=Brooks |date=3 May 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=4 May 2019 |archive-date=11 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411013755/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/03/theresa-may-under-pressure-quit-local-election-losses |url-status=live }} Davis announced his support for Raab, who set out a leadership platform in an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine.{{cite web |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2019-05-05/raab-sets-out-hopes-for-tory-party-after-receiving-backing-to-become-next-leader/ |title=Dominic Raab outlines hopes for Conservatives after receiving backing to become next Prime Minister |website=ITV News |date=5 May 2019 |access-date=5 May 2019 |archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505090446/https://www.itv.com/news/2019-05-05/raab-sets-out-hopes-for-tory-party-after-receiving-backing-to-become-next-leader/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/raab-sets-out-his-stall-as-tories-plot-to-drag-may-out-of-no-10-gswbxp8vj |title=Dominic Raab sets out his stall as Tories 'plot to drag Theresa May from No 10' |first1=Tim |last1=Shipman |first2=Caroline |last2=Wheeler |date=5 May 2019 |work=The Sunday Times |access-date=5 May 2019 |issn=0956-1382 |archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505010605/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/raab-sets-out-his-stall-as-tories-plot-to-drag-may-out-of-no-10-gswbxp8vj |url-status=live }} With one report saying May intended to remain until autumn 2019, further senior Conservatives openly campaigned to replace her, including Andrea Leadsom, Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove and Sajid Javid.{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/andrea-leadsom-seriously-considering-tory-leadership-bid-as-exit-pressure-builds-on-theresa-may-a4136656.html |title=Fifth cabinet minister bids for Theresa May's job |date=8 May 2019 |work=Evening Standard |access-date=8 May 2019 |archive-date=8 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508162949/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/andrea-leadsom-seriously-considering-tory-leadership-bid-as-exit-pressure-builds-on-theresa-may-a4136656.html |url-status=live }}

May had said that she wanted Parliament to approve her Brexit plan before the summer recess, after which she would resign, which would have been around late July. Further pressure mounted on May to be clear about her timetable for departure, with May meeting the 1922 Committee on the matter on 16 May 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/may/16/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-1922-faces-showdown-with-1922-committee-over-timetable-for-her-resignation-live-news |title=May agrees to set departure date after Brexit bill vote as Johnson announces leadership bid – as it happened |first1=Andrew |last1=Sparrow |first2=Peter |last2=Walker |newspaper=The Guardian |date=16 May 2019 |via=www.theguardian.com |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=16 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516113129/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/may/16/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-1922-faces-showdown-with-1922-committee-over-timetable-for-her-resignation-live-news |url-status=live }} There was talk about the Committee changing its rules to allow a new vote of no confidence in May to be held sooner.{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-may-given-24hour-deadline-to-say-when-she-will-quit-a4142761.html |title=Theresa May given 24-hour deadline to say when she will quit |date=15 May 2019 |work=Evening Standard |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=15 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515154951/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-may-given-24hour-deadline-to-say-when-she-will-quit-a4142761.html |url-status=live }} May was reported as having agreed to stand down by 30 June 2019.{{cite web |title=Tearful Theresa May forced to agree to stand down: PM out by June 30 at the latest |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/16/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-set-showdown-meeting-senior-tories/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=16 May 2019 |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/16/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-set-showdown-meeting-senior-tories/ |archive-date=12 January 2022}}{{cbignore}}

On 21 May, May made a speech outlining her plan to introduce an EU withdrawal agreement bill in June that would allow the Commons to make amendments, such as amendments in favour of a Customs Union or a second referendum, but this was received badly by much of her own party as well as by other parties.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48366977 |title=Theresa May resists clamour to resign |publisher=BBC News |date=22 May 2019 |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524092707/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48366977 |url-status=live }} There were growing calls for her to resign on 22 May, the day before the European Parliament elections. Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the House of Commons, resigned that day. May had planned to publish the bill on 24 May, but on polling day (23 May) she abandoned that plan, with publication delayed until early June.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/may/23/european-elections-uk-goes-to-the-poll-as-pressure-continues-on-may-to-resign-live-news |title=May close to abandoning Brexit bill amid growing cabinet backlash – as it happened |first1=Andrew |last1=Sparrow |first2=Lisa |last2=O'Carroll |first3=Amy |last3=Walker |newspaper=The Guardian |date=23 May 2019 |access-date=23 May 2019 |via=www.theguardian.com |archive-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523092003/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/may/23/european-elections-uk-goes-to-the-poll-as-pressure-continues-on-may-to-resign-live-news |url-status=live }} On 24 May she announced her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party, effective on 7 June 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-48394091 |title=Theresa May resigns: The PM announced she would quit as party leader on 7 June |publisher=BBC News |date=24 May 2019 |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-date=15 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615020141/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-48394091 |url-status=live }}

The principles of the procedure for selecting the leader of the Conservative Party are set in the party's constitution, while the detailed rules are agreed by the 1922 Committee executive in consultation with the Conservative Party Board.{{cite web |url=https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN01366/SN01366.pdf |title=Leadership elections: Conservative Party |department=Briefing Paper Number 01366 |last=Johnston |first=Neil |date=24 May 2019 |publisher=House of Commons Library |page=5 |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820172114/https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN01366/SN01366.pdf |url-status=live }} Nominations for the leadership are invited by the chairman of the 1922 Committee, who acts as returning officer. When nominations close, a list of valid nominations is published. If there is only one valid nomination, that person is elected. If two valid nominations are received, both names go forward to the party membership, whose numbers equate to about 0.35% of the UK electorate. Party members can vote even if they live abroad and are not UK citizens;{{cite web |url=https://www.indy100.com/news/tory-leadership-contest-voting-loophole |title=Tory leadership contest:Loophole 'allows non British citizens to vote for PM' |last=Plummer |first=Kate |date=22 July 2022 |publisher=indy100.com |access-date=25 July 2022 |archive-date=27 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727010030/https://www.indy100.com/news/tory-leadership-contest-voting-loophole |url-status=live }}

If more than two nominations are received, a ballot is held within the Parliamentary party. An exhaustive ballot system is used to select two candidates to go forward to the party membership. The 1922 Committee executive considered changing the rules such that four candidates would go to the ballot of the party membership;{{cite web |url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/boris-johnson/news/104030/excl-boost-boris-johnson-tory |title=EXCL Boost for Boris Johnson as Tory bosses consider widening leadership ballot |last=Schofield |first=Kevin |publisher=PoliticsHome.com |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525124343/https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/boris-johnson/news/104030/excl-boost-boris-johnson-tory |url-status=live }} they also recommended increasing the number of MP nominations required to eight. On 4 June a rule change was accepted by the party board, whereby candidates would require the support of eight MPs to be nominated, then the support of at least 5% of the Parliamentary Conservative Party in the first ballot, and 10% in the second ballot in order to proceed further.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48513896 |title=Tories agree leadership contest rule changes |publisher=BBC News |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604183736/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48513896 |url-status=live }} In 2019, this equated to requiring the support of 17 MPs in the first ballot and 33 in the second.{{cite web |last1=Elgot |first1=Jessica |last2=Mason |first2=Rowena |title=Conservatives slash timetable for leadership contest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/04/tory-leadership-candidates-likely-to-need-eight-backers |work=The Guardian |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609225510/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/04/tory-leadership-candidates-likely-to-need-eight-backers |url-status=live }} If all candidates met the threshold then the candidate with fewest votes would be eliminated. If three or more candidates remained after the second ballot, further ballots would be held, eliminating the candidate with the fewest votes and repeating this process until two candidates remained.

Nominations opened on 7 June and closed on 10 June. The first ballot was held on 13 June, with subsequent ballots being held on 18, 19 and 20 June. The first membership hustings was scheduled for 22 June and the ballot of the membership was to take place over the following month, with the winner announced on 23 July.{{cite web |url=https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN01366 |title=House of Commons Library Leadership Elections: Conservative Party |publisher=House of Commons |date=19 July 2019 |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-date=30 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630175008/https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN01366 |url-status=live }}

A large number of candidates attracted attention or were the subject of speculation over an extended period before the election was called. In 2017, the main contenders were initially seen to be Philip Hammond, David Davis, Boris Johnson and Amber Rudd.Citations:

• {{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-leadership-challenge-conservative-tory-leadership-election-2017-a7784226.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611141900/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-leadership-challenge-conservative-tory-leadership-election-2017-a7784226.html |archive-date=11 June 2017 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Main candidates to replace Theresa May would all make Tories less popular, poll suggests |last=Stone |first=Jon |date=11 June 2017 |work=The Independent |access-date=9 September 2017 }}
• {{cite news |last=Watson |first=Leon |title=Who could replace Theresa May as Tory leader? The runners and riders – and latest odds |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/09/could-replace-theresa-may-tory-leader-runners-riders-latest/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/09/could-replace-theresa-may-tory-leader-runners-riders-latest/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |date=9 June 2017 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=9 September 2017}}{{cbignore}}
• {{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/general-election-2017-list-likely-conservative-party-to-take-over-theresa-may-as-prime-minister-2017-6 |title=The 5 Conservative politicians most likely to replace Theresa May as Tory leader |last=Brinded |first=Lianna |date=9 June 2017 |work=Business Insider |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=20 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820011126/http://uk.businessinsider.com/general-election-2017-list-likely-conservative-party-to-take-over-theresa-may-as-prime-minister-2017-6 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/22/david-davis-theresa-may-conservative-leadership |title=Tory members turn to David Davis in battle to succeed Theresa May |last=Savage |first=Michael |date=22 July 2017 |work=The Guardian |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127021015/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/22/david-davis-theresa-may-conservative-leadership |url-status=live }} By early August 2017, Jacob Rees-Mogg was receiving considerable attention and he had risen to second in the betting markets after Davis.{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/look-beyond-jacob-reesmogg-s-cartoony-shtick-at-what-he-really-stands-for-a3611141.html |title=Look beyond Jacob Rees-Mogg's cartoony shtick at what he really stands for |last=Leith |first=Sam |date=14 August 2017 |work=Evening Standard |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=14 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814224813/https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/look-beyond-jacob-reesmogg-s-cartoony-shtick-at-what-he-really-stands-for-a3611141.html |url-status=live }} There was considerable speculation that the party's leader in Scotland, Ruth Davidson, could attempt to become the next leader, despite being ineligible as she was not an MP at Westminster.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-18/britain-s-next-conservative-leader-may-be-the-least-tory-ever |title=Britain's next Conservative leader may be the least Tory ever |last1=Hutton |first1=Robert |date=18 July 2018 |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |access-date=6 August 2018 |last2=Donaldson |first2=Kitty |archive-date=6 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806145505/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-18/britain-s-next-conservative-leader-may-be-the-least-tory-ever |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.theweek.co.uk/94917/tory-leader-race-who-would-be-in-the-running |title=Tory leader race: who would be in the running? |date=10 July 2018 |work=The Week |access-date=6 August 2018 |archive-date=6 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806145634/http://www.theweek.co.uk/94917/tory-leader-race-who-would-be-in-the-running |url-status=live }} In September 2018, she said that she did not want the job and would focus on politics in Scotland.{{cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ruth-davidson-rules-out-becoming-next-conservative-leader-for-sake-of-relationship-11499429 |title=Ruth Davidson rules out becoming next Conservative leader for sake of relationship |date=16 September 2018 |publisher=Sky News |access-date=16 September 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=16 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916022900/https://news.sky.com/story/ruth-davidson-rules-out-becoming-next-conservative-leader-for-sake-of-relationship-11499429 |url-status=live }}

Following renewed speculation about May's leadership after Johnson and Davis resigned from the Cabinet in summer 2018, press interest focused on Johnson, Rees-Mogg, Michael Gove, Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jun/30/sajid-javid-is-surprise-choice-of-tory-activists-to-be-next-party-leader |title=Sajid Javid is Tory activists' choice to be next party leader – poll |last=Jenkins |first=Lin |date=30 June 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=6 August 2018 |archive-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722125735/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jun/30/sajid-javid-is-surprise-choice-of-tory-activists-to-be-next-party-leader |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-conservative-leader-theresa-may-brexit-cabinet-tory-poll-members-a8472341.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801121651/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-conservative-leader-theresa-may-brexit-cabinet-tory-poll-members-a8472341.html |archive-date=2018-08-01 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Boris Johnson emerges as favourite to replace Theresa May after dramatic cabinet resignation |last=Buchan |first=Lizzy |date=1 August 2018 |work=The Independent |access-date=6 August 2018}} Dominic Raab became Brexit Secretary after Davis. In November 2018, following his resignation from the role over a proposed deal on the UK's departure from the European Union, Raab became the bookmakers' favourite to be new leader, followed by Javid or Johnson.{{cite news |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/15/dominc-raab-favourite-to-be-next-conservative-leader-but-jeremy-corbyn-backed-to-be-next-prime-minister-8143074/ |title=Dominic Raab leads next Tory leader odds but Corbyn favourite for next PM |last=Haigh |first=Phil |date=15 November 2018 |work=Metro |access-date=19 November 2018 |archive-date=18 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118142803/https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/15/dominc-raab-favourite-to-be-next-conservative-leader-but-jeremy-corbyn-backed-to-be-next-prime-minister-8143074/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Tominey |first=Camilla |author-link=Camilla Tominey |title=Runners and riders: the latest odds on the candidates who could become the next PM |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/15/runners-riders-latest-odds-candidates-could-become-next-pm/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=19 November 2018 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/15/runners-riders-latest-odds-candidates-could-become-next-pm/ |archive-date=12 January 2022}}{{cbignore}} Raab opposed holding a leadership election, but did not rule out his candidacy.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/esther-mcvey-conservative-leader-brexit-deal-theresa-may-government-vote-mp-a8674581.html |title=Ex-cabinet minister Esther McVey says she would run for Conservative leader if asked |date=9 December 2018 |access-date=10 December 2018 |website=The Independent |archive-date=10 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210231259/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/esther-mcvey-conservative-leader-brexit-deal-theresa-may-government-vote-mp-a8674581.html |url-status=live }} Esther McVey, who resigned her position as work and pensions secretary on the same day, indicated that she would stand as a candidate if she had support.

By December 2018, Johnson, Javid and Rudd were all reported to be contemplating running if May were voted out. In November and December, other potential candidates included Gove, Hunt, Raab, Davis and Penny Mordaunt.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/19/the-race-to-replace-theresa-may-the-likely-candidates |title=The race to replace Theresa May: who are the likely candidates? |last=Elgot |first=Jessica |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 December 2018 |via=www.theguardian.com |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212024745/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/nov/19/the-race-to-replace-theresa-may-the-likely-candidates |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46536305 |title=Who could replace Theresa May as leader? |work=BBC News |date=12 December 2018 |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212172406/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46536305 |url-status=live }} Bookmakers had Johnson as most likely to succeed May on the morning of 12 December confidence vote.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live |title=May could offer to stand down before election to win support in confidence vote – politics live |last1=Sparrow |first1=Andrew |last2=Weaver |first2=Matthew |date=12 December 2018 |via=www.theguardian.com |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214035218/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live |url-status=live }}

On 2 May 2019, Rory Stewart, the international development secretary, announced his candidacy for the leadership. He stated that he would "bring the country together" as prime minister.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48140849 |title=Rory Stewart: I'd bring country together as PM |date=2 May 2019 |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505202538/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48140849 |url-status=live }} Following a poor result for the party in the 2019 local elections on 2 May 2019, Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid, Michael Gove and Matt Hancock gave speeches and interviews that the journalist Tim Shipman described as a "beauty contest between those jostling to succeed Theresa May". On 4 May 2019, David Davis announced he would not seek the party leadership, and would instead support Raab if he chose to run.{{cite news|work=The Daily Telegraph|title=David Davis bows out of Tory leadership contest as he says he will back Dominic Raab to replace Theresa May|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/04/david-davis-bows-tory-leadership-contest-says-will-back-dominic/|date=4 May 2019|access-date=8 May 2019|archive-date=6 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506202938/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/04/david-davis-bows-tory-leadership-contest-says-will-back-dominic/|url-status=live}} On 8 May 2019, Andrea Leadsom, the Leader of the House of Commons, stated she was "seriously considering" a second bid for the party leadership.{{cite news |work=The Independent |title=Tory leadership race: Andrea Leadsom says she is 'seriously considering' bid to succeed Theresa May |date=8 May 2019 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tory-leadership-race-andrea-leadsom-theresa-may-brexit-prime-minister-a8904176.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508202647/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tory-leadership-race-andrea-leadsom-theresa-may-brexit-prime-minister-a8904176.html |archive-date=2019-05-08 |url-access=limited |url-status=live}} On 9 May 2019, McVey announced she would be standing for the leadership. She stated that she had "enough support" from fellow MPs to "go forward" once May stepped down as prime minister.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48212755 |title=Esther McVey announces Conservative leadership bid |date=9 May 2019 |access-date=9 May 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509152535/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48212755 |url-status=live }}

On 24 May, the day May resigned, Johnson told an economic conference in Switzerland that "we will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal".{{cite web |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1131654/brexit-news-latest-no-deal-Brexit-eu-news-theresa-may-resigns-quits-next-prime-minister |title=EU PANIC: Brussels fears no deal Brexit 'IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP' now – 'hard Brexit a reality' |first=Joe |last=Barnes |date=24 May 2019 |website=Express.co.uk |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524153907/https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1131654/brexit-news-latest-no-deal-Brexit-eu-news-theresa-may-resigns-quits-next-prime-minister |url-status=live }} Stewart ruled out serving in a cabinet under Johnson over Johnson's support for a no-deal Brexit, which he believed was "undeliverable, unnecessary and is going to damage our country and economy".{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48403705 |title=Tory rivals clash as leadership race begins |date=25 May 2019 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=25 May 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525000422/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48403705 |url-status=live }} On the same day, Jeremy Hunt announced his candidacy for the leadership at a festival in his constituency.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/may-resigns-hunt-joins-race-for-tory-leadership-932vpjlhg |title=Theresa May resigns: Jeremy Hunt joins race for Tory leadership |last1=Elliott |first1=Francis |last2=Devlin |first2=Kate |last3=Wright |first3=Oliver |date=24 May 2019 |work=The Times |access-date=25 May 2019 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524185824/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/may-resigns-hunt-joins-race-for-tory-leadership-932vpjlhg |url-status=live }} Matt Hancock,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/25/matt-hancock-tory-leadership-prime-minister-rory-stewart |title=Matt Hancock says he will stand for Tory leadership |last=Gayle |first=Damien |date=25 May 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=25 May 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525092659/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/25/matt-hancock-tory-leadership-prime-minister-rory-stewart |url-status=live }} Dominic Raab,{{cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/breaking-former-brexit-secretary-dominic-16202009 |title=Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab joins race for Prime Minister |last=Bazaraa |first=Danya |date=25 May 2019 |work=Daily Mirror |access-date=25 May 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525203121/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/breaking-former-brexit-secretary-dominic-16202009 |url-status=live }} and Andrea Leadsom announced their candidacies the following day, 25 May; Michael Gove declared his own shortly afterwards, on 26 May,{{cite web |title=Tory leadership: Gove becomes eighth candidate to enter race |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48411784 |publisher=BBC News |date=26 May 2019 |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526034608/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48411784 |url-status=live }} Sajid Javid and Kit Malthouse following the next day.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityam.com/278191/housing-minister-kit-malthouse-joins-tory-leadership-race |title=Housing minister Kit Malthouse joins Tory leadership race |last=Daniel |first=Alex |date=27 May 2019 |work=City AM |access-date=27 May 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527222316/http://www.cityam.com/278191/housing-minister-kit-malthouse-joins-tory-leadership-race |url-status=live }}

On 28 May, Gove promised to remove the charge for UK citizenship applications from EU nationals if elected.{{cite news |title=Gove pledges free citizenship applications |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48428261 |access-date=28 May 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=28 May 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528003225/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48428261 |url-status=live }} Hunt condemned a no-deal Brexit as "suicide", but McVey said it would be "political suicide" to not leave at the earliest opportunity.{{cite news |title=Hunt warns against no-deal Brexit 'suicide' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48428761 |access-date=28 May 2019 |agency=BBC News |date=28 May 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528030939/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48428761 |url-status=live }} Both BBC News and Sky News invited candidates to debates.{{cite news |title=BBC to host Tory leader TV debates |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48437124 |access-date=28 May 2019 |agency=BBC News |date=28 May 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528163245/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48437124 |url-status=live }} On 29 May, James Cleverly announced his candidacy.{{cite news |title=Tory leadership contest: James Cleverly joins contenders |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48439908 |access-date=29 May 2019 |agency=BBC News |date=29 May 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528234421/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48439908 |url-status=live }} Hunt and Stewart both admitted during campaigning that they had taken illegal drugs in the past when abroad. The former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith warned on 30 May that there were too many candidates running and urged the 1922 committee to "accelerate the process".{{cite news |title=Duncan Smith warns of Tory contest 'chaos' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48458370 |access-date=30 May 2019 |agency=BBC News |date=30 May 2019 |archive-date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530130724/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48458370 |url-status=live }} That same day, Mark Harper announced his candidacy.{{cite news |title=Tory leadership contest: Mark Harper is 12th MP to enter race |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48468241 |access-date=31 May 2019 |agency=BBC News |date=30 May 2019 |archive-date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530220123/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48468241 |url-status=live }} On 1 June, Liz Truss revealed an article of hers to be published the following day in The Mail on Sunday, providing Johnson with his first endorsement from a Cabinet minister.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/trussliz/status/1134934550008737794|title=In @MoS_Politics tomorrow about why I'm backing @BorisJohnson. #freedomfighters pic.twitter.com/tyrHnuzcf5|first=Liz|last=Truss|date=1 June 2019|access-date=2 June 2019|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626230413/https://twitter.com/trussliz/status/1134934550008737794|url-status=live}} Donald Trump said: "I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent."{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/01/trump-backs-boris-johnson-tory-leadership-calls-duchess-sussex-nasty|title=Trump backs Boris Johnson and calls Meghan, Duchess of Sussex 'nasty'|first1=Aamna|last1=Mohdin|last2=agencies|date=1 June 2019|access-date=2 June 2019|work=The Guardian|archive-date=2 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602011901/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/01/trump-backs-boris-johnson-tory-leadership-calls-duchess-sussex-nasty|url-status=live}} When prompted on Gove and Hunt, Trump said he liked the latter, and criticised the former for his stance on Iran.{{cite news |title=Donald Trump says Boris Johnson would be 'excellent' Tory leader |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48478706 |access-date=8 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=1 June 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609165305/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48478706 |url-status=live }}

On 2 June, Sam Gyimah said no deal would be an "abject failure" and entered the race as the only candidate to back a referendum on the Brexit deal, with the options of remaining in the EU, leaving without a deal, or leaving with the current deal.{{cite news |title=Gyimah announces Tory leadership bid |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48489392 |access-date=2 June 2019 |agency=BBC News |date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602084731/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48489392 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Sam Gyimah joins Tory leadership race offering second referendum |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/02/sam-gyimah-joins-tory-leadership-race-offering-second-referendum |access-date=2 June 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602164506/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/02/sam-gyimah-joins-tory-leadership-race-offering-second-referendum |url-status=live }} He withdrew eight days later.

The One Nation conservative caucus of MPs announced a series of hustings over the week prior to close of nominations on 10 June.{{cite news |last=Rudd |first=Amber |author-link=Amber Rudd |title=Parliament will find a way to insist we don't leave without a deal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/02/amber-rudd-new-prime-minister-negotiate-new-brexit-deal |work=The Observer |date=2 June 2019 |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604093912/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/02/amber-rudd-new-prime-minister-negotiate-new-brexit-deal |url-status=live }} With so many candidates in the race, candidates with less support from fellow MPs were under mounting pressure to leave the leadership race.{{cite news |title=Brokenshire: Tory leadership candidates should drop out |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48493432 |publisher=BBC News |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604030015/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48493432 |url-status=live }} James Cleverly and then Kit Malthouse dropped out of the race on 4 June.

On the same day, the 1922 Committee decided on a rule change to the contest, determining that to make the ballot, MPs must have eight nominations by 10 June. The last-placed candidate in each round would be eliminated, but in addition, to survive the first and second ballots, MPs must obtain at least 5% and 10% of the total available votes (313) respectively (plus one representing their own vote; i.e., 17 and 33 respectively). The contest was to end in the week beginning 22 July.{{cite news |title=Tory leadership: Who will replace Theresa May? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48395611 |access-date=4 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=3 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603143843/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48395611 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Conservatives slash timetable for leadership contest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/04/tory-leadership-candidates-likely-to-need-eight-backers |access-date=4 June 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609225510/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/04/tory-leadership-candidates-likely-to-need-eight-backers |url-status=live }}

By 5 June, Johnson was the clear favourite with the bookmakers, with Gove second favourite.{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/michael-gove-gets-boost-as-two-top-tory-women-back-him-but-odds-are-slashed-on-boris-a4159986.html |title=Gove gets leadership race boost as two top Tory women back him |date=5 June 2019 |work=Evening Standard |access-date=7 June 2019 |archive-date=5 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605215943/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/michael-gove-gets-boost-as-two-top-tory-women-back-him-but-odds-are-slashed-on-boris-a4159986.html |url-status=live }} In the hustings, Javid said he did not want to "become the Brexit Party" but Johnson said the party needed to "deliver Brexit on 31 October",{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Chris |title=Notes from the first Tory hustings |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48522075 |publisher=BBC News |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=8 June 2019 |archive-date=8 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608114800/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48522075 |url-status=live }} whilst Hancock called Jeremy Corbyn an anti-Semite.{{cite news |title=Matt Hancock brands Jeremy Corbyn an anti-Semite |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48536402 |access-date=8 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=5 June 2019 |archive-date=7 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607231706/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48536402 |url-status=live }} On 7 June, Gove admitted to taking cocaine twenty years previously.{{cite web |last=Duffy |first=Nick |title=Tory leadership candidate Michael Gove 'deeply regrets' taking cocaine |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/michael-gove-deeply-regrets-cocaine-tory-leadership/ |website=i News |access-date=8 June 2019 |date=8 June 2019 |archive-date=8 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608115151/https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/michael-gove-deeply-regrets-cocaine-tory-leadership/ |url-status=live }} Before nominations formally opened on 10 June, Johnson promised to cut income tax for higher earners{{cite news |title=Johnson pledges higher rate income tax cut |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48577579 |access-date=10 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=10 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610021622/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48577579 |url-status=live }} and Gove to reduce VAT.{{cite news |title=Gove unveils VAT plans in leadership pitch |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48571291 |access-date=10 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=9 June 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609234542/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48571291 |url-status=live }} Johnson also pledged to refuse to pay £39 billion to the EU.{{cite news |title=Johnson threatens to withhold £39bn from EU as he wins support of hardline Brexiteers |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-brexit-tory-leadership-no-deal-eu-39-billion-a8950701.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608234214/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-brexit-tory-leadership-no-deal-eu-39-billion-a8950701.html |archive-date=2019-06-08 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |website=The Independent |access-date=9 June 2019}} The candidates Hunt, Raab, Hancock, McVey and Gove all formally launched their campaigns on 10 June.{{cite news |title=Tory leadership: Final 10 contenders named in race to No 10 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48584011 |access-date=10 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=10 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610124607/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48584011 |url-status=live }} Johnson launched his campaign on 12 June. He sidestepped a question about his previous admission that he had taken cocaine.{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/12/uk/boris-johnson-press-conference-analysis-intl-gbr/index.html |title=Boris Johnson dodges questions on cocaine and Brexit. But it won't hurt his chances |publisher=CNN |date=12 June 2019 |access-date=13 June 2019 |archive-date=12 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612212006/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/12/uk/boris-johnson-press-conference-analysis-intl-gbr/index.html |url-status=live }}

Raab said that he would be willing to prorogue Parliament in order to ensure the UK's departure from the European Union, particularly in order to leave without a deal.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/08/suspending-parliament-should-not-be-ruled-out-says-dominic-raab |title=Brexit: suspending parliament should not be ruled out, says Dominic Raab |last=Gayle |first=Damien |date=8 June 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=13 June 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614073457/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/08/suspending-parliament-should-not-be-ruled-out-says-dominic-raab |url-status=live }} Johnson refused to rule out prorogation, leading to Stewart saying that he would set up an "alternative Parliament" to stop him if he prorogued Parliament.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/boris-johnson-won-t-rule-out-suspending-parliament-3v2mcjbcz |title=Boris Johnson 'won't rule out suspending parliament' |last1=Elliott |first1=Francis |last2=Wright |first2=Oliver |date=13 June 2019 |work=The Times |access-date=13 June 2019 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=13 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613020515/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boris-johnson-won-t-rule-out-suspending-parliament-3v2mcjbcz |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/13/rory-stewart-threatens-alternative-parliament-to-avoid-no-deal-brexit |title=Rory Stewart threatens 'alternative parliament' to avoid no-deal Brexit |last=Elgot |first=Jessica |date=13 June 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=13 June 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=13 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613170156/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/13/rory-stewart-threatens-alternative-parliament-to-avoid-no-deal-brexit |url-status=live }}

On 13 June, the chancellor Philip Hammond wrote to candidates asking them to restrict themselves in any policy pledges they made to the current 2% of GDP deficit limit. This followed Raab saying he would reduce the income tax basic rate by 5p costing more than £20 billion annually, and Johnson saying he would raise the higher tax rate starting threshold from £50,000 to £80,000 costing £10 billion annually.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/14/tory-leadership-candidates-agree-keep-down-national-debt-philip-hammond |title=Just two Tory candidates pledge to keep down national debt |last=Boffey |first=Daniel |work=The Guardian |date=14 June 2019 |access-date=14 June 2019 |archive-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614132912/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/14/tory-leadership-candidates-agree-keep-down-national-debt-philip-hammond |url-status=live }}

In the first MP ballot on 13 June, Leadsom, Harper and McVey were eliminated as they failed to obtain 17 votes. Johnson came first, with over a third of MPs' support—enough to ensure, were none of those who voted for him to change their minds in subsequent ballots, that he would be one of the final two on whom the membership voted.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48624579 |title=Johnson tops first Tory leadership poll |date=13 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=14 June 2019 |archive-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614003935/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48624579 |url-status=live }} Hancock withdrew the next day.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48631706 |title=Tory leadership: Matt Hancock quits contest |publisher=BBC News |date=14 June 2019 |access-date=14 June 2019 |archive-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614102327/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48631706 |url-status=live }}

Johnson was criticised for avoiding media interviews and not participating in the first TV debate, held on 16 June on Channel 4.{{cite web |url=https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/say-nothing-do-nothing-boris-johnson-accused-of-ducking-debates-to-avoid-sabotaging-leadership-campaign |title=Say nothing, do nothing: Boris Johnson accused of ducking debates to avoid sabotaging leadership campaign |date=16 June 2019 |work=Sunday Post |access-date=16 June 2019 |archive-date=16 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616104927/https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/say-nothing-do-nothing-boris-johnson-accused-of-ducking-debates-to-avoid-sabotaging-leadership-campaign/ |url-status=live }} All the other candidates took part, with an Opinium survey of those watching the debate having Stewart as the winner.

In the second MP ballot on 18 June, Johnson retained his substantial lead, increased by twelve compared to the first ballot. Hunt retained second place, but Stewart was the biggest gainer, up 18. Raab was eliminated as both the bottom candidate and for getting less than the required 33 votes. All five remaining candidates, Johnson, Hunt, Gove, Stewart and Javid, took part in a BBC debate later that same day. One poll after the debate found Stewart again to be the winner, but a second found Johnson ahead.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

The third MP ballot on 19 June saw the top three remain the same (Johnson, Hunt, Gove). Stewart was the only candidate to lose votes compared to the previous round, down ten to come last, and was thus eliminated.{{cite web |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/tory-leadership-vote-michael-gove-now-second-as-sajid-javid-is-eliminated-931835.html |title=Tory leadership vote: Michael Gove now second as Sajid Javid is eliminated |date=20 June 2019 |website=Breaking News |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620190732/https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/tory-leadership-vote-michael-gove-now-second-as-sajid-javid-is-eliminated-931835.html |url-status=live }}

The fourth and fifth MP ballots were on 20 June. In the fourth ballot, Javid was eliminated, while Gove narrowly overtook Hunt for second place.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48707448 |title=Sajid Javid out of Tory leadership contest |publisher=BBC News |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620125039/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48707448 |url-status=live }} The fifth ballot to produce a final candidate pairing eliminated Gove, who received two votes fewer than Hunt. There were questions raised as to whether the Johnson campaign encouraged some supporters to vote for Hunt instead in order to knock Gove out of the leadership, given the poor personal relationship between Johnson and Gove since the 2016 leadership election.{{cite web |url=https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/06/jeremy-hunt-and-boris-johnson-through-to-the-final-two/ |title=Did Boris's dirty tricks help Hunt over Gove? |date=20 June 2019 |website=Coffee House |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-date=31 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131195045/https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/06/jeremy-hunt-and-boris-johnson-through-to-the-final-two/ |url-status=live }}

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Johnson and Hunt, the final two candidates, were to be put to a vote of about 160,000 Conservative members, with the result to be announced in the week of 22 July.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48711077 |title=Johnson and Hunt left in Tory leader race |publisher=BBC News |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-date=21 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621201908/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48711077 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.sundaypost.com/news/uk-news/johnson-vs-hunt-in-the-battle-for-number-10-as-gove-narrowly-misses-out/ |title=Johnson vs Hunt in the battle for Number 10 as Gove narrowly misses out |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=20 June 2019 |archive-date=20 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620185902/https://www.sundaypost.com/news/uk-news/johnson-vs-hunt-in-the-battle-for-number-10-as-gove-narrowly-misses-out/ |url-status=live }}

In the early hours of 21 June, police were called to Johnson's home after neighbours heard an altercation between him and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds. The police attended and subsequently stated they found no need for police action.{{cite web |last=Waterson |first=Jim |title=Boris Johnson: police called to loud altercation at potential PM's home |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/21/police-called-to-loud-altercation-at-boris-johnsons-home |work=The Guardian |date=21 June 2019 |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-date=23 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423074456/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/21/police-called-to-loud-altercation-at-boris-johnsons-home |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-girlfriend-carrie-symonds-house-police-recording-home-o-a8969831.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621214737/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-girlfriend-carrie-symonds-house-police-recording-home-o-a8969831.html |archive-date=21 June 2019 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Police called to Boris Johnson's home over reports of loud altercation with girlfriend |date=21 June 2019 |website=The Independent |access-date=23 June 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://news.sky.com/story/police-in-late-night-call-to-boris-johnsons-home-11746622 |title=Police called to Boris Johnson flat after neighbour reportedly heard screaming |publisher=Sky News |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-date=22 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622151624/https://news.sky.com/story/police-in-late-night-call-to-boris-johnsons-home-11746622 |url-status=live }}

A poll conducted on Saturday 22 June showed support for Johnson had fallen sharply following the incident. His eight-point lead earlier in the week had fallen to three points behind Hunt by Saturday morning. Among Tory voters, when asked who would make the best prime minister, Johnson's lead had fallen from 27% to 11% in the same period.{{cite news |last=Syal |first=Rajeev |title=Hunt ramps up pressure on Boris Johnson to explain police visit |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/23/boris-johnson-faces-growing-pressure-to-comment-on-row-with-partner |work=The Guardian |date=23 June 2019 |access-date=23 June 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=23 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623114409/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/23/boris-johnson-faces-growing-pressure-to-comment-on-row-with-partner |url-status=live }}

The first of a series of hustings took place in Birmingham on 22 June and was chaired by Iain Dale.{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-and-jeremy-hunt-face-gruelling-series-of-hustings-as-final-battle-for-downing-street-a4172476.html |title=Boris and Hunt face series of hustings as final battle begins |date=21 June 2019 |work=Evening Standard |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-date=21 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621175557/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-and-jeremy-hunt-face-gruelling-series-of-hustings-as-final-battle-for-downing-street-a4172476.html |url-status=live }} During the hustings, Johnson repeatedly refused to answer questions about alleged altercation that took place between himself and Symonds. He claimed that the audience of Conservative members wanted to know "what my plans are for my country and for the party. I don't think they want to hear about that kind of thing."{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-hustings-question-row-police-carrie-symonds-iain-dale-a8970426.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623072410/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-hustings-question-row-police-carrie-symonds-iain-dale-a8970426.html |archive-date=2019-06-23 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Boris Johnson repeatedly refuses to answer questions about police being called to a row with partner |website=The Independent |date=22 June 2019 |access-date=23 June 2019}}

On the evening of 22 June, The Observer published evidence suggesting close links between Johnson and Steve Bannon. The video evidence, in which Bannon discussed how he helped Johnson craft the first speech after his resignation as foreign secretary, contradicted Johnson's previous denials of an association with Bannon.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/22/video-reveals-steve-bannon-links-to-boris-johnson |title=Video reveals Steve Bannon links to Boris Johnson |last=Cadwalladr |first=Carole |date=22 June 2019 |work=The Observer |access-date=23 June 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712 |archive-date=25 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325210717/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/22/video-reveals-steve-bannon-links-to-boris-johnson |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/boris-johnson/news/103241/boris-johnson-blasts-back |title=Boris Johnson blasts back after Labour's David Lammy accuses him of courting fascism |last=Honeycombe-Foster |first=Matt |date=15 April 2019 |website=PoliticsHome.com |access-date=23 June 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626230409/https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/boris-johnson/news/103241/boris-johnson-blasts-back |url-status=live }}

The following ten MPs were nominated on 10 June. Each candidate needed the nomination of at least eight MPs, but only the proposer and seconder were made public.

{{Clear}}

{{reflist|group=nb}}

The following MPs announced that they would seek the leadership of the Conservative Party but subsequently did not stand, or withdrew from the race, due to insufficient support or other reasons:

• James Cleverly, Brexit minister{{cite web |last=Allegretti |first=Aubrey |title=James Cleverly pulls out of Tory leadership race |url=https://news.sky.com/story/james-cleverly-pulls-out-of-tory-leadership-race-11734600 |publisher=Sky News |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604102405/https://news.sky.com/story/james-cleverly-pulls-out-of-tory-leadership-race-11734600 |url-status=live }} (endorsed Johnson)
• Sam Gyimah, former universities minister{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SamGyimah/status/1138120008616333316|title=My statement on the Conservative Party leadership contest.pic.twitter.com/Fm5sE4h7TI|author=Sam Gyimah MP|date=10 June 2019|website=@SamGyimah|access-date=10 June 2019|archive-date=10 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610234224/https://twitter.com/samgyimah/status/1138120008616333316|url-status=live}}
• Kit Malthouse, housing minister{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/kitmalthouse/status/1135950114449743872|title=I have decided to withdraw from the contest for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Thank you to all those who have supported me.|last=MP|first=Kit Malthouse|date=4 June 2019|website=@kitmalthouse|access-date=4 June 2019|archive-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605001446/https://twitter.com/kitmalthouse/status/1135950114449743872|url-status=live}} (endorsed Johnson)

The following MPs publicly expressed interest in the leadership of the Conservative Party but subsequently declined to stand:

• Steve Baker, deputy chair of the European Research Group{{cite news |last=Wearmouth |first=Rachel |title=Hardline Brexiteer Steve Baker Reveals He May Run For Tory Leader |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/steve-baker-reveals-he-may-stand-to-be-tory-leader_uk_5ce7bb55e4b05c15deaa8367 |work=Huffington Post |date=24 May 2019 |access-date=25 May 2019 |archive-date=21 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621104456/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/steve-baker-reveals-he-may-stand-to-be-tory-leader_uk_5ce7bb55e4b05c15deaa8367 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Malnick |first=Edward |title=Boris Johnson wins over top Eurosceptics with 'clean Brexit' pledge |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/06/08/boris-johnson-wins-top-eurosceptics-clean-brexit-pledge/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/06/08/boris-johnson-wins-top-eurosceptics-clean-brexit-pledge/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=The Telegraph |date=8 June 2019 |access-date=8 June 2019}}{{cbignore}} (endorsed Johnson)
• Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee{{cite news |last=Tobin |first=Olivia |title=Tory leadership candidates 2019: The 11 MPs in the running to succeed Theresa May |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/tory-leadership-candidates-the-11-mps-in-the-running-to-succeed-theresa-may-a4158596.html |work=Evening Standard |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=8 September 2021 |archive-date=8 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908204208/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/tory-leadership-candidates-the-11-mps-in-the-running-to-succeed-theresa-may-a4158596.html |url-status=live }}
• David Davis, former Brexit secretary{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/04/david-davis-bows-tory-leadership-contest-says-will-back-dominic/|title=David Davis bows out of Tory leadership contest as he says he will back Dominic Raab to replace Theresa May|agency=Press Association|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=4 May 2019|via=www.telegraph.co.uk|access-date=8 May 2019|archive-date=6 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506202938/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/04/david-davis-bows-tory-leadership-contest-says-will-back-dominic/|url-status=live}} (endorsed Raab)
• Tobias Ellwood, veterans minister endorsed Hancock and Stewart)
• Liam Fox, international trade secretary{{cite news |work=Evening Standard |title=Tory leadership race: who could replace Theresa May? |date=25 May 2019 |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/the-top-runners-and-riders-as-mps-announce-tory-leadership-bids-a4151521.html |access-date=29 May 2019 |archive-date=29 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529221547/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/the-top-runners-and-riders-as-mps-announce-tory-leadership-bids-a4151521.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |work=Birmingham Mail |title=Sajid Javid officially enters Conservative leader race with bid to be next Prime Minister |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/sajid-javid-officially-enters-conservative-16337961 |date=28 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527190801/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/sajid-javid-officially-enters-conservative-16337961 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/04/tory-leadership-liam-fox-backs-jeremy-hunt-in-surprise-move |title=Tory leadership: Liam Fox backs Jeremy Hunt in surprise move |last=Elgot |first=Jessica |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=4 June 2019 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604085248/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/04/tory-leadership-liam-fox-backs-jeremy-hunt-in-surprise-move |url-status=live }} (endorsed Hunt)
• George Freeman, former life sciences minister (endorsed Hancock, Javid, Gove and Johnson)
• Justine Greening, former education secretary{{cite web |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2019-04-07/justine-greening-acting-prime-minister/ |title=Justine Greening: I'd run for Tory leader to make sure there's a centrist candidate |website=ITV News |date=7 April 2019 |access-date=11 May 2019 |archive-date=11 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511010835/https://www.itv.com/news/2019-04-07/justine-greening-acting-prime-minister/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/oct/29/justine-greening-hints-at-conservative-leadership-bid-theresa-may |title=Justine Greening hints at Conservative leadership bid |first=Matthew |last=Weaver |newspaper=The Guardian |date=29 October 2018 |via=www.theguardian.com |access-date=11 May 2019 |archive-date=13 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813035445/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/oct/29/justine-greening-hints-at-conservative-leadership-bid-theresa-may |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/25/tory-leadership-race-cyanide-brexit-inequality |title=The Tory party is simply debating which sort of electoral cyanide to take {{!}} Justine Greening |last=Greening |first=Justine |date=25 May 2019 |work=The Observer |access-date=25 May 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712 |archive-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525194426/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/25/tory-leadership-race-cyanide-brexit-inequality |url-status=live }}
• Philip Hammond, chancellor of the Exchequer
• Damian Hinds, education secretary (endorsed Gove)
• David Lidington, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster{{cite web|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/national/17229098.tory-plotters-urged-to-rally-behind-pm-in-national-interest/|title=Tory plotters urged to rally behind PM in 'national interest'|website=The Northern Echo|date=16 November 2018 |access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142317/https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/national/17229098.tory-plotters-urged-to-rally-behind-pm-in-national-interest/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blogs.ncvo.org.uk/2018/07/09/what-do-the-dexeu-resignations-mean-for-charities-and-brexit/|title=What do the DExEU resignations mean for charities and Brexit? - NCVO Blogs|website=blogs.ncvo.org.uk|date=9 July 2018|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142130/https://blogs.ncvo.org.uk/2018/07/09/what-do-the-dexeu-resignations-mean-for-charities-and-brexit/|url-status=live}} (endorsed Hancock then Stewart)
• Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View (endorsed Johnson)
• Penny Mordaunt, defence secretary{{cite web |url=https://news.sky.com/story/penny-mordaunt-drops-conservative-leadership-hint-in-attack-on-usual-tired-routine-11731161 |title=Penny Mordaunt drops Conservative leadership hint in attack on 'usual tired routine' |publisher=Sky News |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=1 June 2019 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602144329/https://news.sky.com/story/penny-mordaunt-drops-conservative-leadership-hint-in-attack-on-usual-tired-routine-11731161 |url-status=live }} (endorsed Hunt)
• Nicky Morgan, chair of the Treasury Select Committee{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/03/23/senior-brexiteers-touting-nicky-morganas-potential-successor/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/03/23/senior-brexiteers-touting-nicky-morganas-potential-successor/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Senior Brexiteers touting Nicky Morgan as potential successor to Theresa May |last=Malnick |first=Edward |date=23 March 2019 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=17 May 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2019/06/leadership-election-candidate-support-numbers-hunt-27-johnson-19-raab-13-gove-12-javid-10.html |title=Leadership election candidate MP support numbers: Johnson 30, Gove 29, Hunt 29, Raab 23, Javid 17, Hancock 11 |website=Conservative Home |language=en-US |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=8 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008215638/https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2019/06/leadership-election-candidate-support-numbers-hunt-27-johnson-19-raab-13-gove-12-javid-10.html |url-status=live }} (endorsed Gove)
• Jesse Norman, financial secretary to the Treasury{{cite web |url=https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/05/jesse-norman-keeps-his-fans-waiting/ |title=Jesse Norman keeps his fans waiting |date=27 May 2019 |website=Coffee House |language=en-US |access-date=27 May 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527190552/https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/05/jesse-norman-keeps-his-fans-waiting/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/17689330.jesse-norman-wont-stand-for-tory-leadership/ |title=Jesse Norman won't stand for Tory leadership |last=Thomas |first=James |date=6 June 2019 |work=Hereford Times |access-date=6 June 2019 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606162931/https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/17689330.jesse-norman-wont-stand-for-tory-leadership/ |url-status=live }} (endorsed Johnson)
• Priti Patel, former international development secretary{{cite web |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/dominic-raab-tory-leadership-candidate-theresa-may/ |title=Dominic Raab criticised for launching leadership bid 'too early' as Theresa May hangs on |publisher=Inews.co.uk |date=10 May 2019 |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-date=16 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516065107/https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/dominic-raab-tory-leadership-candidate-theresa-may/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |work=The Daily Telegraph |title=Priti Patel warns against 'grubby' Brexit deals and says she is considering standing for Tory leader |date=25 May 2019 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/25/interview-priti-patel-warns-against-dodgy-deals-says-considering/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/25/interview-priti-patel-warns-against-dodgy-deals-says-considering/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}} (endorsed Johnson)
• Jacob Rees-Mogg, chair of the European Research Group{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/18/times-change-change-jacob-rees-mogg-gets-twitter/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/18/times-change-change-jacob-rees-mogg-gets-twitter/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title='The times change, and we change with them': Jacob Rees-Mogg gets Twitter |last=Horton |first=Helena |date=18 July 2017 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} (endorsed Johnson)
• Amber Rudd, work and pensions secretary{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/16/amber-rudd-is-not-ruling-out-tory-leadership-bid |title=Amber Rudd says she is not ruling out Tory leadership bid |last=Mason |first=Rowena |date=16 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=17 May 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524232918/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/16/amber-rudd-is-not-ruling-out-tory-leadership-bid |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/24/amber-rudd-hints-would-work-boris-johnson-rules-tory-leadership/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/24/amber-rudd-hints-would-work-boris-johnson-rules-tory-leadership/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Amber Rudd hints she would work with Boris Johnson as she rules herself out of Tory leadership race |last=Hope |first=Christopher |date=24 May 2019 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=24 May 2019 |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} (endorsed Hunt)
• Liz Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury{{cite web |url=https://www.thearticle.com/liz-truss-the-dark-horse-of-the-next-tory-leadership-race/ |title=Liz Truss: the dark horse of the next Tory leadership race? - TheArticle |date=14 November 2018 |access-date=3 December 2018 |archive-date=29 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129183826/https://www.thearticle.com/liz-truss-the-dark-horse-of-the-next-tory-leadership-race/ |url-status=live }} (endorsed Johnson)

The following MPs were reported by the media as potential candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party but subsequently declined to stand:

• Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden (endorsed Hancock, then Johnson){{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-45785004|title=Where is Britain's 'Macron moment'?|first=Nicholas|last=Watt|publisher=BBC News|date=8 October 2018|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005735/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-45785004|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/hitchin-and-harpenden-mp-backs-boris-johnson-5182478 |title=Hitchin and Harpenden MP backs Boris Johnson in Conservative leadership race |last=Suslak |first=Anne |date=20 June 2019 |work=The Herts Advertiser |access-date=17 July 2022 |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717104142/https://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/hitchin-and-harpenden-mp-backs-boris-johnson-5182478 |url-status=live }}
• Victoria Atkins, crime minister (endorsed Javid)
• Kemi Badenoch, MP for Saffron Walden (endorsed Gove)
• Damian Collins, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee (endorsed Johnson){{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/jeremy-hunt-sets-his-sights-on-no-10-3fg2tsl20|title=Jeremy Hunt sets his sights on No 10|first=Tim|last=Shipman|date=26 November 2017|access-date=3 December 2018|via=www.thetimes.co.uk|archive-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142122/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/jeremy-hunt-sets-his-sights-on-no-10-3fg2tsl20|url-status=live}}
• Geoffrey Cox, attorney general of England and Wales (endorsed Johnson){{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-45735831|title=Cox wows Tories as warm-up act for PM|publisher=BBC News|date=3 October 2018|access-date=3 December 2018|archive-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005855/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-45735831|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/farewell-theresa-may-rivals-sharpen-the-knife-thlpk9s9s|title=Farewell, Theresa May? Rivals sharpen the knife|first=Tim Shipman and|last=Caroline Wheeler|date=18 November 2018|access-date=3 December 2018|via=www.thetimes.co.uk|archive-date=2 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202083355/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/farewell-theresa-may-rivals-sharpen-the-knife-thlpk9s9s|url-status=live}}
• Oliver Dowden, parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office (endorsed Johnson){{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/22/davis-johnson-rudd-none-of-the-above-tory-tribe-seeks-dream-candidate|title=Tory party seeks dream candidate to replace Theresa May|first=Michael|last=Savage|newspaper=The Observer |date=22 July 2017|access-date=9 September 2017|via=The Guardian|archive-date=11 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911170647/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/22/davis-johnson-rudd-none-of-the-above-tory-tribe-seeks-dream-candidate|url-status=live}}
• Alan Duncan, foreign minister (endorsed Hunt)
• Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of the Conservative Party{{cite news |title=Rory Stewart "Stupid" For Boris Johnson Remark, Iain Duncan Smith Says |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/andrew-castle/iain-duncan-smith-rory-stewart-stupid/ |publisher=LBC |date=25 May 2019 |access-date=25 May 2019 |archive-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525125316/https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/andrew-castle/iain-duncan-smith-rory-stewart-stupid/ |url-status=live }} (endorsed Johnson)
• Michael Fallon, former defence secretary (endorsed Johnson){{cite web |last=Payne |first=Sebastian |title=Who could replace Theresa May as leader if she resigns? |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d4640e14-4c97-11e7-a3f4-c742b9791d43 |website=Financial Times |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910041420/https://www.ft.com/content/d4640e14-4c97-11e7-a3f4-c742b9791d43 |url-status=live }}
• David Gauke, justice secretary (endorsed Stewart)
• Damian Green, former first secretary of state (endorsed Hancock, then Johnson){{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48671048 |title=Tory leadership: Candidates await result of second vote of MPs |author= |date=18 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=17 July 2022 |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717104634/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48671048 |url-status=live }}
• Jo Johnson, former transport and London minister (endorsed Johnson){{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/are-boris-johnson-and-his-brother-jo-in-a-political-power-struggle-for-the-countrys-top-job-a3568986.html|title=Are the Johnson brothers in a political power struggle for No. 10?|date=20 June 2017|access-date=9 September 2017|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910084111/https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/are-boris-johnson-and-his-brother-jo-in-a-political-power-struggle-for-the-countrys-top-job-a3568986.html|url-status=live}}
• Phillip Lee, former justice minister (endorsed Gyimah, then Stewart){{cite web|url=http://www.conservativehome.com/thetorydiary/2017/07/next-tory-leader-davis-leads-our-survey-but-is-outscored-by-none-of-the-above.html|title=Next Tory leader. Davis leads our survey – but is outscored by "none of the above" - Conservative Home|date=5 July 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910040905/http://www.conservativehome.com/thetorydiary/2017/07/next-tory-leader-davis-leads-our-survey-but-is-outscored-by-none-of-the-above.html|url-status=live}}
• Brandon Lewis, chairman of the Conservative Party{{cite news |last=Riley-Smith |first=Ben |title=Tory plot to skip 'toxic' generation and install younger face as next leader |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/24/tory-plot-skip-toxic-generation-install-younger-face-next-leader/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=24 June 2017 |access-date=9 September 2017 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/24/tory-plot-skip-toxic-generation-install-younger-face-next-leader/ |archive-date=12 January 2022}}{{cbignore}}
• Rishi Sunak, housing minister (endorsed Johnson)
• Gavin Williamson, defence secretary (endorsed Johnson)

{{main|Endorsements in the 2019 Conservative Party leadership election}}

{{#tag:timeline|

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• 12 December: Conservative MPs vote against a motion of no confidence in May's leadership, 200 to 117. May also announces that she will not lead the Conservative Party into the next general election.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live|title=May survives confidence vote with a majority of 83 – as it happened|date=13 December 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=27 January 2019|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214035218/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/dec/12/tory-mps-trigger-vote-of-no-confidence-in-may-amid-brexit-uncertainty-politics-live|url-status=live}}
• 15 January: The May government loses the first "meaningful vote" on Brexit by 432 to 202, the largest defeat for a sitting government in modern history.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46879887|title=Reality Check: What are the biggest government defeats?|last=Edgington|first=Tom|publisher=BBC News|date=15 January 2019|access-date=16 January 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403032717/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46879887|url-status=live}}
• 16 January: The House of Commons vote against a motion of no confidence, 325 to 306, moved by the leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn.{{cite news|author=Staff writer|title=May's government survives no-confidence vote|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46899466|publisher=BBC News|date=16 January 2019|access-date=23 January 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211223820/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46899466|url-status=live}}
• 12 March: The government loses the second "meaningful vote" by 391 to 242.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47547887|title=MPs reject May's EU withdrawal deal again|date=13 March 2019|access-date=13 March 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=12 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190312224810/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47547887|url-status=live}}
• 27 March: Theresa May announces she will resign before the next phase of negotiations if the Brexit withdrawal agreement is approved by MPs on 29 March.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47742395|title=MPs voting on Brexit delay plan|publisher=BBC News|date=29 March 2019|access-date=29 March 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329064942/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47742395|url-status=live}}
• 29 March: The government loses the third "meaningful vote" by 344 to 286.{{cite hansard |house=House of Commons |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-03-29/division/B6052BBD-43BE-4A30-8365-E3A8B108009E/UnitedKingdom%E2%80%99SWithdrawalFromTheEuropeanUnion?outputType=Party |date=29 March 2019 |title=European Union (Withdrawal) Bill: Division 354 }} {{Cite web |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-03-29/division/B6052BBD-43BE-4A30-8365-E3A8B108009E/UnitedKingdom%E2%80%99SWithdrawalFromTheEuropeanUnion?outputType=Party |title=Division 395, United Kingdom's Withdrawal from the European Union - Hansard |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217115621/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-03-29/division/B6052BBD-43BE-4A30-8365-E3A8B108009E/UnitedKingdom%E2%80%99SWithdrawalFromTheEuropeanUnion?outputType=Party |url-status=bot: unknown }}

• 2 May:
• The Conservatives lose more than 1,300 council seats and control of 44 councils in United Kingdom local elections.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/ceeqy0e9894t/england-local-elections-2019|title=England local elections 2019|publisher=BBC News|access-date=3 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062124/https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/ceeqy0e9894t/england-local-elections-2019|url-status=live}}
• Rory Stewart announces his intention to contest the leadership of the Conservative Party after Theresa May steps down.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48140849|title=Rory Stewart: I'd bring country together as PM|publisher=BBC News|date=2 May 2019|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-date=6 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506201512/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48140849|url-status=live}}
• 9 May: Esther McVey announces her intention to contest the leadership of the Conservative Party.{{cite news |title=McVey: I'll run for Tory leadership |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48212755 |publisher=BBC News |date=9 May 2019 |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509152535/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48212755 |url-status=live }}
• 16 May: Boris Johnson announces his intention to contest the leadership of the Conservative Party.{{cite news |title=Johnson confirms bid for Tory leadership |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48299424 |access-date=28 May 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=29 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002057/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48299424 |url-status=live }}
• 23 May: European Parliament elections are held in the United Kingdom.
• 24 May:
• Theresa May reveals that she will resign as party leader on 7 June, and subsequently as prime minister when a new leader is elected.{{cite news |title=Latest as May makes statement outside No 10 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-48394091 |access-date=24 May 2019 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=15 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615020141/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-48394091 |url-status=live }}
• Jeremy Hunt announces his candidacy for the leadership election.{{cite web |url=https://in.reuters.com/article/britain-eu-hunt/uk-foreign-secretary-jeremy-hunt-to-stand-for-conservative-leadership-local-paper-idINKCN1SU1GB |publisher=Reuters |date=24 May 2019 |title=UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to stand for Conservative leadership |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004053039/https://in.reuters.com/article/britain-eu-hunt/uk-foreign-secretary-jeremy-hunt-to-stand-for-conservative-leadership-local-paper-idINKCN1SU1GB |url-status=dead }}
• 25 May: Matt Hancock, Dominic Raab and Andrea Leadsom announce their candidacies.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48410734 |title=Dominic Raab and Andrea Leadsom join race |date=25 May 2019 |access-date=28 May 2019 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527234552/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48410734 |url-status=live }}
• 26 May:
• Michael Gove announces his candidacy.
• Results of the European Parliament election are released, showing the Conservatives placing fifth nationally and losing fifteen of nineteen seats.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/crjeqkdevwvt/the-uks-european-elections-2019|title=The UK's European elections 2019|publisher=BBC News|access-date=11 January 2020|archive-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810175827/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/crjeqkdevwvt/the-uks-european-elections-2019|url-status=live}}
• 27 May: Sajid Javid and Kit Malthouse announce their candidacies.{{cite web | title=Sajid Javid joins race to replace Theresa May as Tory leader | work=The Guardian | date=27 May 2019 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/27/tory-leadership-rivals-weigh-up-dominic-raab-challenge-for-tv-debate | access-date=27 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527135532/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/27/tory-leadership-rivals-weigh-up-dominic-raab-challenge-for-tv-debate | archive-date=27 May 2019 | url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Daniel |first=Alex |title=Housing minister Kit Malthouse joins Tory leadership race |url=http://www.cityam.com/278191/housing-minister-kit-malthouse-joins-tory-leadership-race |website=City AM |date=27 May 2019 |access-date=27 May 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527222316/http://www.cityam.com/278191/housing-minister-kit-malthouse-joins-tory-leadership-race |url-status=live }}
• 29 May: James Cleverly announces his candidacy.{{cite news |last=Acharya |first=Bhargav |title=Junior Brexit Minister James Cleverly enters race to be next UK PM... |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-cleverly-idUKKCN1SY2MS |publisher=Reuters |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |archive-date=29 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529013634/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-cleverly-idUKKCN1SY2MS |url-status=dead }}
• 30 May: Mark Harper announces his candidacy.

• 2 June: Sam Gyimah announces his candidacy.{{cite news |last=McGuinness |first=Alan |date=2 June 2019 |title=Sam Gyimah makes second referendum promise as he joins race to succeed Theresa May |url=https://news.sky.com/story/sam-gyimah-makes-second-referendum-promise-as-he-joins-race-to-succeed-theresa-may-11733491 |publisher=Sky News |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602191137/https://news.sky.com/story/sam-gyimah-makes-second-referendum-promise-as-he-joins-race-to-succeed-theresa-may-11733491 |url-status=live }}
• 4 June:
• Cleverly and Malthouse withdraw their candidacies.{{cite news |last=Wills |first=Ella |title=James Cleverly withdraws from Tory leadership race |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/tory-leadership-candidate-james-cleverly-says-he-is-withdrawing-from-race-a4158851.html |work=Evening Standard |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604101136/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/tory-leadership-candidate-james-cleverly-says-he-is-withdrawing-from-race-a4158851.html |url-status=live }}
• The party board backs a 1922 Committee proposal to change the candidacy rules, requiring candidates to be supported by a greater number of MPs before being nominated.{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/91437998-8607-11e9-a028-86cea8523dc2 |title=Tories set to debate rules for leadership election |date=4 June 2019 |work=Financial Times |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609071236/https://www.ft.com/content/91437998-8607-11e9-a028-86cea8523dc2 |url-status=live }}
• 7 June: Theresa May's resignation as leader of the Conservative Party takes effect.
• 10 June:
• 10:00 – Nominations for candidates open.
• 17:00 – Nominations close, and the full list of final candidates for the leadership was announced by the 1922 Committee half an hour later.{{cite web |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1138546/Tory-leadership-race-vote-Theresa-May-Boris-Johnson-Michael-Gove-Brexit-news |title=Tory leadership: Conservative candidates likely to crash out of leadership race today |first=Darren |last=Hunt |date=10 June 2019 |website=Express.co.uk |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=10 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610123441/https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1138546/Tory-leadership-race-vote-Theresa-May-Boris-Johnson-Michael-Gove-Brexit-news |url-status=live }}
• Gyimah withdraws his candidacy.
• 11–12 June: The 1922 Committee hosts a two-day-long forum, during which the candidates are questioned on their leadership manifestos by an audience of MPs.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/06/12/tory-leadership-conservative-party-race-election/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612073710/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/06/12/tory-leadership-conservative-party-race-election/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 June 2019 |title=Conservative leadership race: When will the next Tory leader and Prime Minister be selected, and how does it work? |date=12 June 2019 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}
• 13 June: First MP ballot takes place. Harper, Leadsom and McVey fail to meet the threshold for entering the second round and are eliminated.
• 14 June: Hancock withdraws.
• 16 June: Channel 4 televises a debate between the candidates, Johnson declines the invitation to attend.
• 18 June:
• Second MP ballot takes place. Raab fails to make the threshold for the third round and is eliminated.
• BBC One televises a debate between candidates remaining after the results of the second ballot.
• 19 June: Third MP ballot takes place. Stewart receives the fewest votes and is eliminated.
• 20 June:
• Fourth MP ballot takes place. Javid receives the fewest votes and is eliminated.
• Fifth MP ballot takes place. Gove receives the fewest votes and is eliminated.
• 22 June: First public hustings between Hunt and Johnson takes place at the ICC in Birmingham.
• 24 June: Sky News announces that it will cancel the debate planned to take place between Hunt and Johnson on 25 June, unless Johnson accepts the broadcaster's invitation.

• 6–8 July: Conservative Party members receive postal ballots,{{cite web |url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/06/25/new-prime-minister-will-announced-july-23-10066014/ |title=New prime minister will be announced on July 23 |date=25 June 2019 |access-date=28 June 2019 |work=Metro |first=Jen |last=Mills |archive-date=24 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724182447/https://metro.co.uk/2019/06/25/new-prime-minister-will-announced-july-23-10066014/ |url-status=live }} with some receiving more than one ballot paper.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48890803 |title=Tory leader voters 'issued two ballots' |publisher=BBC News |date=6 July 2019 |access-date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=8 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708010957/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48890803 |url-status=live }}
• 9 July: ITV televises a head-to-head debate between the final two candidates.
• 12 July: BBC News televises one-on-one interviews by Andrew Neil with the final two candidates.{{cite web |title=Date of BBC1 Conservative leadership debate confirmed |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-07-05/bbc1-leadership-debate-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-andrew-neil/ |website=Radio Times |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=15 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715105655/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-07-05/bbc1-leadership-debate-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-andrew-neil/ |url-status=live }}
• 17 July: Final public hustings between Hunt and Johnson takes place at the ExCeL in East London.
• 22 July: 17:00 – Ballot closes.
• 23 July: Result of the postal ballot announced at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster. Johnson declared the new Leader of the Conservative Party.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49084605 |title=Boris Johnson wins race to be Tory leader and PM |publisher=BBC News |date=23 July 2019 |access-date=23 July 2019 |archive-date=30 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130125915/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49084605 |url-status=live }}
• 24 July:
• Theresa May resigns as prime minister, after taking her final session of Prime Minister's Questions.{{cite news |last=Woodcock |first=Andrew |title=Theresa May to hand over to new PM on 24 July |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-resignation-date-leave-new-pm-prime-minister-boris-a8974281.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706095927/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-resignation-date-leave-new-pm-prime-minister-boris-a8974281.html |archive-date=6 July 2019 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |access-date=28 June 2019 |work=The Independent |date=25 June 2019}}
• Boris Johnson is appointed prime minister by Queen Elizabeth II.{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Rowena |title=Boris Johnson becomes PM with promise of Brexit by 31 October |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jul/24/boris-johnson-becomes-pm-with-promise-of-brexit-by-31-october |work=The Guardian |date=24 July 2019 |access-date=27 July 2019 |archive-date=26 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726131239/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jul/24/boris-johnson-becomes-pm-with-promise-of-brexit-by-31-october |url-status=live }}

Following the fifth ballot of Conservative MPs on 20 June, the final two candidates, Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson, were invited to take place in a series of hustings organised by the party. Each of the sixteen events was held in a different region of the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2019/06/dates-of-the-conservative-leadership-hustings-for-party-members.html|title=Dates of the Tory leadership hustings for Party members|date=27 June 2019|website=Conservative Home|access-date=27 June 2019|archive-date=27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627134504/https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2019/06/dates-of-the-conservative-leadership-hustings-for-party-members.html|url-status=live}} A digital hustings was held on 26 June, moderated by Hannah Vaughan Jones and livestreamed on social media (through Periscope).{{cite web|author=Press Association|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/uk/new-tory-leader-will-be-announced-on-july-23/|title=New Tory leader will be announced on 23 July|date=25 June 2019|website=Evening Express|language=en-US|access-date=26 June 2019|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626190405/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/uk/new-tory-leader-will-be-announced-on-july-23/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/06/26/tory-leadership-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-brexit-no-deal/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/06/26/tory-leadership-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-brexit-no-deal/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Tory leadership hustings live: Boris Johnson says the chances of a no-deal Brexit are a 'million to one'|date=26 June 2019|work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}

On 28 May, the BBC announced plans to hold televised leadership debates for the candidates that would take place once nominations had closed. All candidates who had not yet been eliminated would be invited to take part in a hustings debate chaired by Emily Maitlis, followed by a Question Time special with Fiona Bruce.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48437124 |title=Conservative leadership: BBC to host TV debates |publisher=BBC News |date=28 May 2019 |access-date=28 May 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528163245/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48437124 |url-status=live }} The final two candidates would then have a one-to-one interview with Andrew Neil, which aired on 12 July. On the same day, Sky News also announced plans for a head-to-head leadership debate between the final two candidates in front of an audience of Conservative Party members.{{cite news |title=Sky News to hold live head-to-head debate between final two Conservative leadership candidates |url=https://news.sky.com/story/sky-news-to-hold-live-head-to-head-debate-between-final-two-conservative-leadership-candidates-11730401 |access-date=3 June 2019 |publisher=Sky News |date=29 May 2019 |archive-date=3 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603115732/https://news.sky.com/story/sky-news-to-hold-live-head-to-head-debate-between-final-two-conservative-leadership-candidates-11730401 |url-status=live }}

The BBC confirmed that the first debate would be broadcast under the title Our Next Prime Minister at 20:00 on 18 June 2019 on BBC One, two hours after the second ballot.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/jun/18/tory-leadership-bbc-debate-boris-johnson-voting-results-gets-fresh-boost-as-leadsom-gives-her-support-live-news|title=Tory leadership candidates rule out pre-Brexit election in BBC debate – as it happened|date=19 June 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=20 June 2019|archive-date=19 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619203934/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/jun/18/tory-leadership-bbc-debate-boris-johnson-voting-results-gets-fresh-boost-as-leadsom-gives-her-support-live-news|url-status=live}} Members of the public, speaking live from BBC studios around the UK, were to ask questions of the candidates.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48547524|title=BBC confirms first Tory leadership debate|publisher=BBC News|date=6 June 2019|access-date=7 June 2019|archive-date=7 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607001348/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48547524|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/conservative-leadership-debate|title=BBC - The BBC has released further details of its first Conservative leadership debate - Media Centre|website=www.bbc.co.uk|access-date=7 June 2019|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626230412/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/conservative-leadership-debate|url-status=live}} Channel 4 broadcast a 90-minute debate between the candidates on 16 June, hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/channel-4-to-host-first-tv-debate-with-conservative-leadership-candidates-ahead-of-bbc-and-sky-news/|title=Channel 4 to host first Conservative leadership TV debate|date=5 June 2019|access-date=10 June 2019|archive-date=8 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608182651/https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/channel-4-to-host-first-tv-debate-with-conservative-leadership-candidates-ahead-of-bbc-and-sky-news/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/16/boris-johnson-rivals-vie-to-offer-their-visions-for-post-brexit-britain|title=Johnson's rivals vie to offer their visions for post-Brexit Britain|date=16 June 2019|work=Guardian|access-date=20 June 2019|archive-date=20 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620003800/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/16/boris-johnson-rivals-vie-to-offer-their-visions-for-post-brexit-britain|url-status=live}}

ITV announced on 20 June that they would be holding a head-to-head debate between Hunt and Johnson on 9 July, hosted by Julie Etchingham.{{cite web |title=ITV is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the first head-to-head debate between the two candidates hoping to be Prime Minister. The debate between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt will take place on 9 July and will be hosted by Julie Etchingham.pic.twitter.com/cBNOeU3Ar2 |url=https://twitter.com/itvpresscentre/status/1141758970224422913 |website=Twitter |author=ITV Press Centre |access-date=20 June 2019 |date=20 June 2019 |archive-date=21 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621070242/https://twitter.com/itvpresscentre/status/1141758970224422913 |url-status=live }} The debate also aired in the Republic of Ireland on Virgin Media One.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/VirginMedia_One/status/1148622846396194819|title=Documentary Britain's Next Prime Minister: The Debate See Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson engaging directly in debate on the big issues like Brexit, the economy and their potential leadership styles, with questions put to them by viewers. Tonight at 10pm on Virgin Media Onepic.twitter.com/vOix2sAvlQ|author=Virgin Media One|date=9 July 2019|access-date=9 July 2019|archive-date=8 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908233415/https://twitter.com/VirginMedia_One/status/1148622846396194819|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jul/09/bitter-blue-on-blue-as-hunt-and-johnson-clash-on-live-tv|title=Bitter blue-on-blue as Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt clash on live TV|date=10 July 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 July 2019|archive-date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709235752/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jul/09/bitter-blue-on-blue-as-hunt-and-johnson-clash-on-live-tv|url-status=live}}

On 21 June, Sky News presenter Kay Burley announced that their debate was planned to take place on 25 June, but Johnson was not willing to attend.{{cite web |title=All set to chair #Toryleadershipdebate on @SkyNews next Tuesday. @Jeremy_Hunt agreed to take part but @BorisJohnson has said no. Really? The set's built, the Tory supporting audience primed. Are you really going to let them and YOUR country down, Boris? |url=https://twitter.com/KayBurley/status/1142106818178670593 |website=Twitter |publisher=@KayBurley |access-date=21 June 2019 |date=21 June 2019 |archive-date=21 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621201349/https://twitter.com/KayBurley/status/1142106818178670593 |url-status=live }} On 24 June, Sky stated the event would not go ahead without Johnson, and would have to be cancelled.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48744724|title=Johnson no-show scuppers TV debate|date=24 June 2019|access-date=24 June 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624104856/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48744724|url-status=live}} The channel also announced that both candidates had been invited to a rescheduled debate on 1 July.{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Rebecca |title=Sky News postpones debate as Boris Johnson fails to reply to invite |url=https://news.sky.com/story/skys-leadership-debate-postponed-unless-johnson-turns-up-11747943 |publisher=Sky News |date=24 June 2019 |access-date=24 June 2019 |archive-date=24 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624124052/https://news.sky.com/story/skys-leadership-debate-postponed-unless-johnson-turns-up-11747943 |url-status=live }} Johnson once again declined to attend; Sky News announced that it would hold an interview with Hunt on 1 July, Johnson being invited to be similarly interviewed at another date.{{cite web |title=Sky News to interview Jeremy Hunt |url=https://www.skygroup.sky/corporate/media-centre/articles/en-gb/jeremy-hunt-sky-news |website=Sky Corporate |access-date=30 June 2019 |date=30 June 2019 |archive-date=30 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630174250/https://www.skygroup.sky/corporate/media-centre/articles/en-gb/jeremy-hunt-sky-news |url-status=live }}

On 10 July, the BBC announced that the Question Time special was "unlikely to go ahead" on 16 July, due to Johnson's team expressing concerns about the format.{{cite news |title=Next PM Question Time 'unlikely to go ahead' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48937987 |access-date=15 July 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=10 July 2019 |archive-date=14 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714171607/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48937987 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=PM candidates take part in final leadership debate |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48988420 |access-date=15 July 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=15 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715180227/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48988420 |url-status=live }}

{{excerpt|Opinion polling for the 2019 Conservative Party leadership election|fragment=Polling via organisations|only=table}}

Following each ballot of Conservative MPs, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. A new rule was introduced in 2019 due to the number of candidates: In the first ballot, held on 13 June 2019, candidates also needed to pass a threshold of 17 votes to avoid elimination.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48624579 |title=Johnson tops first Tory leadership poll |publisher=BBC News |date=13 June 2019 |access-date=13 June 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614003935/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48624579 |url-status=live }} In the second ballot, held on 18 June, candidates needed to pass a threshold of 33 votes to avoid elimination.{{cite news |last1=Sparrow |first1=Andrew |last2=Makortoff |first2=Kalyeena |title=Tory leadership: Johnson, Hunt, Gove, Stewart, Javid through, as Raab eliminated – live news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/jun/18/tory-leadership-bbc-debate-boris-johnson-voting-results-gets-fresh-boost-as-leadsom-gives-her-support-live-news |work=The Guardian |date=18 June 2019 |access-date=18 June 2019 |archive-date=18 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618095425/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/jun/18/tory-leadership-bbc-debate-boris-johnson-voting-results-gets-fresh-boost-as-leadsom-gives-her-support-live-news |url-status=live }}

:

The result was announced on 23 July, with Boris Johnson chosen by party members to succeed May. Johnson consequently also succeeded May as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the following day. Outgoing party leader and British prime minister Theresa May pledged her full support for her successor and called for the rest of the party to unite behind Johnson.{{cite tweet |author-link=Theresa May |user=theresa_may |number=1153622066157015041 |date=23 July 2019 |title=Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives – we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches.}}{{primary source inline|date=May 2022}}

In anticipation of Johnson's election, a number of ministers had announced that they would resign from office, due to his willingness to leave the EU without a deal. On 22 July, Foreign Minister Alan Duncan tendered his resignation;{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49069880|title=Minister resigns in protest against Johnson|date=22 July 2019|access-date=22 July 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=3 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403131802/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49069880|url-status=live}} prior to the leadership election result announced on the following day, Education Minister Anne Milton stood down from her post, citing "grave concerns" over the new Prime Minister's Brexit policies.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/jul/23/boris-johnson-tory-leadership-theresa-may-politics-live|title=Trump claims Boris Johnson popular in UK because he's seen as 'Britain's Trump'|date=23 July 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=11 May 2022|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416031919/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/jul/23/boris-johnson-tory-leadership-theresa-may-politics-live|url-status=live}} On 24 July, chancellor Philip Hammond, justice secretary David Gauke and international development secretary Rory Stewart all resigned from the May government, just hours before Boris Johnson became prime minister. This was done in protest against Johnson's position on withdrawing from the European Union, and in anticipation of their dismissal from office during the formation of a new cabinet. DUP leader Arlene Foster welcomed Johnson's election, reaffirming the continuity of the Conservative–DUP agreement.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49085029|title=Boris Johnson: Northern Ireland reaction to the new prime minister|date=23 July 2019|publisher=BBC News|access-date=11 May 2022|archive-date=11 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511221559/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49085029|url-status=live}}

Johnson's election was criticised by leaders of opposition parties, including Labour's Jeremy Corbyn, who restated his call for a new general election,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-49084448/jeremy-corbyn-on-boris-johnson-winning-tory-leadership|title=Corbyn: Johnson needs to think 'a bit more carefully'|date=23 July 2019|publisher=BBC News|access-date=11 May 2022|archive-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205142637/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-49084448/jeremy-corbyn-on-boris-johnson-winning-tory-leadership|url-status=live}} the Scottish National Party's Commons leader Ian Blackford{{cite news|url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/highland-mp-warns-of-bleak-boris-johnson-brexit-britain-180750/|title=Highland MP warns of 'bleak Boris Johnson Brexit Britain'|work=Inverness Courier|date=23 July 2019|access-date=11 May 2022|archive-date=24 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724164305/https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/highland-mp-warns-of-bleak-boris-johnson-brexit-britain-180750/|url-status=live}} and the Liberal Democrats' Jo Swinson.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/07/23/lib-dem-leader-jo-swinson-says-would-vote-against-brexit-even/|title=Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson says she would vote against Brexit even if a second referendum backed it|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=23 July 2019|access-date=11 May 2022|archive-date=11 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511221555/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/07/23/lib-dem-leader-jo-swinson-says-would-vote-against-brexit-even/|url-status=live}} Devolved administrations expressed a similar tone; Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon questioned his "lack of principle", and pledged to work with other parties to prevent the UK leaving the EU without a deal.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-49083023 |title=Boris Johnson: Nicola Sturgeon has 'profound concerns' |publisher=BBC News |date=23 July 2019 |access-date=6 June 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511221557/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-49083023 |url-status=live }} Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford urged "seriousness" and "maturity", and also called for a further referendum if Johnson was unable to pass a deal that commanded the support of the House of Commons.{{cite news |title=Boris Johnson: Show maturity, Welsh first minister tells new Tory leader |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-49083627 |publisher=BBC News |date=23 July 2019 |access-date=6 June 2022 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155623/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-49083627 |url-status=live }}

Johnson's election also caused concern in financial markets, with Moody's and Goldman Sachs both warning that the election of Boris Johnson would increase the likelihood of the exit of Britain from the European Union without a deal.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/1ae9ba14-ad30-11e9-8030-530adfa879c2|title=Analysts warn Johnson victory has increased no-deal Brexit risk|work=Financial Times|date=23 July 2019|access-date=11 May 2022|archive-date=11 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511221555/https://www.ft.com/content/1ae9ba14-ad30-11e9-8030-530adfa879c2|url-status=live}} Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, the director-general of the CBI reacted to the result by urging the new prime minister to secure a deal, to "unlock new investment and confidence in factories and boardrooms across the country".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2019/jul/23/debt-ceiling-trade-war-rate-cut-brexit-pound-market-imf-world-economy-business-live?page=with:block-5d36e4a28f0845f89e312922#block-5d36e4a28f0845f89e312922|title=UK factory orders slump; Moody's warns no-deal Brexit risks have risen|date=23 July 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=11 May 2022|archive-date=11 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511221556/https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2019/jul/23/debt-ceiling-trade-war-rate-cut-brexit-pound-market-imf-world-economy-business-live?page=with:block-5d36e4a28f0845f89e312922#block-5d36e4a28f0845f89e312922|url-status=live}}

• 2019 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom
• 2019 United Kingdom general election
• 2019 Liberal Democrats leadership election
• February 2020 Scottish Conservatives leadership election
• August 2020 Scottish Conservatives leadership election

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

; Official websites:

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20190608050808/https://gove2019.com/ Michael Gove]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20190727221830/https://jeremyhunt2019.co.uk/ Jeremy Hunt for Leader]
• [https://sajidjavid.com Sajid Javid]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20190904162313/https://backboris.com/ Boris Johnson for Leader]

{{2019 Conservative Party leadership election}}

{{2019 United Kingdom party elections}}

{{Conservative Party (UK)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Conservative Party leadership election, 2019}}

Category:2019 elections in the United Kingdom

Category:2019 political party leadership elections

Category:June 2019 in the United Kingdom

Category:July 2019 in the United Kingdom

Category:Consequences of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum

Category:Premiership of Theresa May

Category:Boris Johnson

Category:Jeremy Hunt