Boris Johnson gets more backers as James Cleverly and Nadhim Zahawi back ‘Boris 2.0’ bid

Boris Johnson attracted two more cabinet supporters today as he plots a stunning comeback as prime minister.

The former prime minister, who is trying to gain enough support among Tory MPs for a return to number 10, was supported by James Cleverly and Nadhim Zahawi.

Both Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster claimed that Mr Johnson had ‘learned’ from his previous stint on Downing Street – which ended in a series of scandals – when they expressed support for ‘Boris 2.0’.

Their public support meant that Mr Johnson stayed ahead of his rival Rishi Sunak in terms of supporters of top ministers.

Penny Mordaunt, who will also replace Mrs Truss as Prime Minister, has so far not attracted cabinet-level backers.

In addition to Mr Cleverly and Mr Zahawi, Mr Johnson is also supported by Secretary of the Economy Jacob Rees-Mogg, Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace and Secretary of Leveling Up Simon Clarke.

Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and Cop-26 President Alok Sharma also support the ex-Prime Minister.

Mr Sunak was boosted today by Home Secretary Grant Shapps and Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith, who said they support him to become Prime Minister.

He is also supported by International Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch, Climate Minister Graham Stuart, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and Cabinet Minister Chris Philp.

Mr Sunak is also expected to have the support of Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan.

Announcing his support for Mr Johnson today, Mr Cleverly – who was one of Mrs Truss’ biggest supporters before her spectacular demise – posted on Twitter: “The past few weeks have shown that being prime minister is tough and no other job in government is like this.

“I know Boris has learned lessons from his time in the No. 10 and will ensure that the focus is on the needs of the country from day one.

“I will support him to return to the role of prime minister.”

Mr Zahawi – who spent a brief stint as chancellor in Mr Johnson’s interim government this summer – also suggested that Mr Johnson had reflected on his time in number 10 since he was forced from power.

He tweeted: “When I was chancellor, I saw a preview of what Boris 2.0 would look like. He was remorseful and honest about his mistakes.

“From those mistakes he had learned how to run the number 10 and the country better. With a united team behind him, he is the one who will lead us to victory and prosperity.”

It comes just over three months after Mr Zahawi told Mr Johnson to step down as Prime Minister – while questioning Mr Johnson’s ‘integrity’ just over a day after he was appointed as his Chancellor .

Mr Zahawi’s support for Mr Johnson’s return to No. 10 made Labor deputy leader Angela Rayner ask, ‘Is this a parody account?’

She also shared a copy of Mr. Zahawi’s letter to Mr. Johnson in July, urging him to “go now,” to which Ms. Rayner added, “Is this you?”

Mr Sunak was boosted by the support of Mr Shapps, who was appointed Home Secretary last week and has been a loyalist in Mr Johnson’s government.

“We need someone who can provide stability and proven economic competence in these challenging times, and Rishi Sunak is that person,” Mr Shapps wrote on Twitter.

Ms Smith also supported the ex-chancellor in the Tory leadership race.

The Minister for Work and Pensions tweeted: ‘I have spoken to @RishiSunak about his hopes for our country and I have listened to my local members.

“I intend to support Rishi to become prime minister, acting in the national interest and achieving the stability and opportunity our nation needs.”