The five remaining Tory leadership candidates were asked if they would be open to offering the incumbent prime minister a seat in their government. Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat and Penny Mordaunt all refused to raise their hands at a show of hands. Julie Etchingham repeatedly asked the candidates whether: Boris Johnson still have the opportunity to serve in the cabinet. After a few seconds of silence, Mrs Etchingham remarked, “None.”
Mr Tugendhat told the ITV Tory leadership debate: “It is quite clear that what we have been going through in recent years is a crisis of confidence in our government.
“Our government has betrayed trust as if it were a concertina and what we need now is a clean start.”
When asked what would make him a better prime minister than Boris Johnson, Mr Tugendhat said his military service showed that he was “willing not only to stand up to our enemies, but also to our friends” and exclaimed where changes were needed.
The Tory leadership candidates also explained why they thought they should become prime minister when the ITV debate began.
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Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak told viewers: “I’m about to become your next Prime Minister because Britain’s potential is limitless and I am the best person to lead us into the future.”
Liz Truss said: “I want to unleash Britain’s potential. I’ve shown I can deliver as Foreign Secretary, I am now ready to lead as your Prime Minister.”
Former minister Kemi Badenoch said: “I am the candidate who will tell you the truth. I am in because things have to change and I will make our country better.”
Mr Tugendhat said: “We know it has been difficult and we need a clean start, we have problems abroad and at home. It is time for a change, I am ready to serve, I am ready to lead. “
And Commerce Secretary Penny Mordaunt said “My life revolves around service”.