Who will replace Theresa May as Prime Minister?

The Prime Minister looks increasingly vulnerable after two of her cabinet ministers resigned amid scandals in the space of a week. 

Priti Patel resigned as International Development Secretary on Westminster after it emerged that she had secret meetings with Israeli politicians. 

A week earlier Michael Fallon resigned as Defence Secretary following an allegation of sexual harassment which he denied. 

The Tories fear that the collapse of Theresa May’s government could lead to a fresh general election and Jeremy Corbyn’s rise to power. 

 As Mrs May”s grip on the Tory Party continues to slip, several prominent Cabinet members are being tipped to replace the Prime Minister.

Here are the latest Betfair odds on the ministers tipped to be the next Conservative leader, as of 12.35pm on Friday November 10.

Boris Johnson – 4/1

The Foreign Secretary is a key figure in the Conservative Party inner circles, and one of the clear favourites to win a leadership bid.

But his leadership chances could have been dashed by suggesting jailed Briton Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been training journalists during a holiday in Iran.

Betfair spokeswoman Katie Baylis said: “After another difficult week for Theresa May, which has seen odds of her lasting the year shortening by the day, the leadership battle is heating up once more.

“The obvious leader of the pack remains Boris Johnson who is the 4/1 favourite to succeed May despite facing his own controversy this week.” 

Mr Johnson is causing trouble for the Prime Minister and audaciously set out his own vision of Brexit in a newspaper article in September. 

David Davis – 5/1

The Brexit Secretary is the clear second favourite to win the race and the odds of him becoming Prime Minister have been slashed to 5/1.

Mr Davis could be seen as the right candidate to deliver Brexit for the UK after having sat at the negotiating table for months.

The minister, who was a prominent figure in the Leave campaign, previously stood for party leadership in 2001 and 2005.

Mr Davis came second to former Prime Minister David Cameron in the Tory leadership race in 2005. 

Ms Baylis, from Betfair, said that it is a “closely fought market at the moment” with the Brexit Secretary right behind Mr Johnson.  

Gavin Williamson – 6/1 

The New Defence secretary has only been in his position for brief period, but at odds of 6/1 has become a serious contender for Tory leader.

The former Conservative Whip as promoted to following Micheal Fallon”s resignation.

Mr Williamson was elected an MP for South Staffordshire in 2010 and has since been a close ally of Theresa May.

Ms Baylis said: “The new Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is now into  6/1 to round out the front three runners.”

Amber Rudd – 9/1

With Betfair odds of 9/1, the Home Secretary is the fifth favourite candidate to run the Conservative party.

Ms Rudd stepped in for the Prime Minister in a high profile election debate and voted remain in the EU referendum in 2016.  

The Hastings and Rye MP barely managed to hold onto her constituency in the general election, winning by just over 300 votes. 

Ruth Davidson – 10/1

The chief of the Scottish Conservatives could be readying for a move to 10 Downing Street with odds of 10/1.

Asked by Andre Marr whether or not a Scott could lead the Tories, she said: “Absolutely, without a doubt. Michael Gove even tried.”

But she added: “I’ve got a job at the moment. I’m not looking past 2021. 

“I’m trying to build a party that was third, in some cases fourth when I became leader to build it up to be a credible government of Scotland.”

Philip Hammond – 16/1

Philip Hammond’s budget later the month will be the Chancellor’s chance to show that he what it takes to be Prime Minister. 

In September, Mr Hammond controversially refused to back the Prime Minister to take the Conservatives into the next election. 

He said: “Well I am not going to get involved in the discussion about future Conservative Party leadership politics.

“Theresa May has made it very clear that she has a job to do, I am completely behind her in doing that job.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg – 13/2

The MP for West Somerset is one of the firm favourites to come out on top of the leadership race. 

More than 34,000 people have signed an online petition calling on the MP to “ to lead the Conservative fightback and reignite Britain’s promise”.

Jacob Rees-Mogg is well known in Westminster for his impassioned speeches, enthusiasm and hard-cutting quips.

But the backbencher’s hard conservative views and opposition to gay marriage and abortion could hinder his leadership bid. 

Andrea Leadsom – 16/1

Following the general election, the Leader of the House of Commons has been urged by her supporters to stand in for the leadership race.

Ms Leadsom stood against Mrs May in the leadership contest after the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron after his resignation in 2016.

She has since said: “In terms of myself and can I stay in the cabinet, it’s absolutely clear I shall be in the cabinet just as long as the Prime Minister wants me to be.

“I can also assure you that the same is true of Boris.”

Michael Gove – 18/1

The Environment Secretary is slowly making his way towards top of the polls despite his failed bid in the leadership contest in 2016. 

Mr Gove stabbed fellow Brexiteer Mr Johnson in the back by withdrawing his support at the last minute and deciding to stand himself. 

Oddschecker spokesman George Elek said:  “At best odds of 25/1, the Environment Secretary remains 9th favourite for the position, but if the support for Gove continues at this rate other bookies will follow suit and cut his odds dramatically.”

On Thursday morning, just over 61 per cent of bets at Oddschecker, were placed on Mr Gove.

But the bookmaker is convinced that this surprise support is due to a lack of better candidates for the job.

Source Report UK.xyz