Boris Johnson has returned to the UK amid rumours that he is running for prime minister.
Johnson has been on a holiday in the Dominican Republic. He flew back home after hearing about Truss’s resignation.
The Conservative Party has a short week until they must choose a new leader and prime minister, with Mr Johnson telling an ally that he is “up for it” or “I’m going to do it”.
Mr. Johnson flew to Gatwick Airport in economy, like his wife and children. Mark Stone, a SkyNews correspondent says that Mr. Johnson got mixed reactions from passengers as he boarded the plane before them all.
There were a few people who had uncertain expressions on their faces, and a handful of people booed.
Around 7,000 people followed the plane’s flight on a website called FlightRadar24.
Mr Johnson was quickly ushered through the VIP terminal at Gatwick Airport by security after waving to the press in a very animated fashion.
He was then taken to a Range Rover, which drove away from the airport.
Mr. Johnson officially resigned six weeks ago after a series of scandals and mass resignations among his ministers. He is still held in high regard by some Tory MPs and the party membership, though.
There are three cabinet ministers who have pledged their support for Boris in the contest: Jacob Rees-Mogg, the business secretary, Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, and Simon Clarke, the levelling up secretary.
Mr. Rees-Mogg was the first to declare himself for Mr. Johnson, posting to social media: “I’m backing Boris #BorisorBust.”
After eliminating himself from the race, Mr Wallace said he’s “leaning” towards Boris Johnson.
The Prime Minister said that their colleagues “have to focus” on who will best unite the people and allow them to win in the next election.
By 2pm on Monday, if a Tory MP wants to enter the race they must have secured the backing of 100 other MPs.
In the wake of recent allegations against Mr. Johnson, some Conservatives MPs have threatened to withdraw the party whip if he returns.
Jesse Norman, the Foreign Office minister, said selecting Mr. Johnson as Conservative leader would be “absolutely catastrophic.”
Roger Gale, the senior backbencher politician, tweeted to voters that the former prime minister is still being investigated by the House of Commons privileges committee over partygate.
Mr. Johnson told Times Radio that, if he were to become Prime Minister again, he would relinquish the whip and stand on his own as an independent.
Asked about Mr Johnson’s chances for a second run for office, one cabinet minister told Beth Rigby, Sky News’ political editor: “I’d expect him to get to 100”.
“People who have resigned from his government are on the patio telling their fellow members that they will now back him and that members definitely will.”
President Johnson’s friend told Sky News that it is “likely” he will stand for office.
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