Liz Truss gains support from senior Tory leaders as former Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis reveals he backs the Foreign Secretary for the top job. Former Northern Ireland minister Brandon Lewis, who initially led Nadhim Zahawi’s leadership campaign, described his decision to support Liz Truss as an “easy choice” given the work of the Foreign Secretary negotiating with the EU over Ulster’s post-Brexit trade agreement.
According to the Times, Mr Zahawi, who replaced Rishi Sunak as chancellor earlier this month, is expected to support Ms Truss in the coming days.
The news comes as Mrs. Truss and Mr. Sunak continue their campaigns to become prime minister and leader of the Tory party.
Ms Truss has presented herself as the “Prime Minister of Education” with a plan that includes replacing failing academies with “a new wave of free schools” and improving math and literacy standards.
The Tory’s hopeful leadership, backed by several party heavyweights, has contributed to a sense of being ahead of its rival in the race for No. 10 and unveiled a six-point strategy on Saturday to get the UK’s education system back on track. .
Explaining his support for Ms Truss, Lewis told the Telegraph: “What I’ve seen consistently with Liz is someone who understands the union, has been strong and determined in defending and protecting the union.”
An ally also told The Times: “Lewis appreciated her grip on the matter and was happy to work with her.”
It is believed that Mr Zahawi enjoys his role as Chancellor and would like to remain at number 11.
The revelation comes a day after Tom Tugendhat, the chairman of the select committee on foreign affairs, followed Defense Secretary Ben Wallace as he expressed his support for Ms Truss.
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With Zahawi and Lewis on board, Truss has the support of 10 members of Johnson’s inner circle, including Employment and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey, Affairs Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
Mark Fullbrook, an ally of Australian election guru Lynton Crosby, has joined Mrs Truss’ team as co-campaign manager, while Ruth Porter, a former assistant to the Secretary of State, has returned to her side.
By contrast, Rishi Sunak, the former chancellor, has only received the support of four members of Johnson’s top squad – as those behind him complain that his campaign is faltering after some lackluster performances and policy promises.
Mr Sunak’s turnaround last week over VAT cuts has been seized as a sign of panic and has undermined his pitch to be the candidate for tax responsibility.
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The development comes as a Sunday Times poll shows Truss is ahead of Sunak among voters familiar with the candidates.
The survey of more than 11,000 adults by Focaldata shows that Truss ranks at 38 percent, compared to Rishi at 35 percent.
Labor polled 37 percent against Truss – giving it a one percentage point lead – and 39 percent against Sunak.