Jeremy Hunt ‘rules out Tory leadership bid’ as election defeat fallout continues

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Jeremy Hunt has reportedly ruled himself out of the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader after the crushing election defeat to Labour.

It comes as the jostling begins to lead the Conservatives in opposition, although expected contender Suella Braverman on Saturday said there were “no announcements”.After leading the Conservatives to their worst general election result, Mr Sunak said he would quit as party leader once arrangements were in place to choose his successor.

Former chancellor Mr Hunt told GB News the “time has passed” for him to launch a bid.He is a two-time former leadership hopeful, having unsuccessfully stood against Boris Johnson in 2019 when Theresa May resigned, and again in 2022 after Mr Johnson’s downfall.Mr Hunt, who narrowly held off a Liberal Democrat challenge in Godalming and Ash, said in his victory speech the Conservatives’ “crushing” defeat was a “bitter pill to swallow” for the party.

His refusal to run may come as a disappointment to Tory centrists who want to prevent the party lurching to the right.Ms Braverman is expected to throw her hat into the ring in what could be an acrimonious contest which could shape the party for years to come as right-wingers and more moderate Tories battle it out.Asked whether she would be the next party leader, the former home secretary told broadcasters outside her home: “No announcements.