Those now widely expected to put themselves forward include, on the right, former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, the early bookies’ favorite, and former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick.
Hardline former Home Secretaries Priti Patel and Suella Braverman have both been tipped as frontrunners, although one ally of Braverman said this was now less likely.
Former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and former Health Secretary Victoria Atkins are two remaining prominent names from the moderate wing of the party — with outgoing Chancellor Jeremy Hunt now a wildcard after he clung on to his seat against the odds.
While immediate recriminations between left and right are inevitable — with some so angry at the way Sunak handled the election that they do not even want him to stay as caretaker — a growing consensus is emerging that the leadership contest should run long while the party takes a good hard look at itself.
Before battle can begin, the remaining Tory MPs will first have to elect a chairperson and executive for the 1922 Committee, the influential body representing Conservative backbenchers, a task which POLITICO understands will take place within the next two weeks.
The leadership contest could then be held over the long summer recess, according to two people familiar with the process, with some arguing for the race to run even longer and conclude with the party’s annual conference at the end of September.
