UK PM: Boris Johnson Expected To Make Shocking Return

Boris Johnson is expected to stand in the contest to replace Liz Truss and believes it is a matter of “national interest”, The Times has been told.

The former prime minister, who only left office six weeks ago, is taking soundings from friends but is said to believe he can turn the Conservative Party around. Several Tory MPs are already suggesting that he should replace Truss, who announced her resignation this afternoon after 44 days in office.

The prime minister said a successor would be chosen within a week “to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country’s economic stability”. Conservative members will be “consulted”, according to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which runs Tory leadership contests.