Steve Baker has been critical of Rishi Sunak during the campaign and said his colleagues have supported him to lead rebellions so he would make a good leader.

Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker will launch a bid to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader after the election, it is understood.

The Brexiteer Conservative is expected to attempt to replace Mr Sunak if the party is defeated on 4 July.

Mr Baker hinted at a leadership run if he retains his Wycombe seat at the general election.

bHe said: "One thing at a time. I want to represent the people of Wycombe the best that I can, as I always have done.

“Then let’s see what happens.”

It is understood he will announce his intentions after polling day.

  • AutoTL;DRBEnglish
    1•2 days ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:

    Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker will launch a bid to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader after the election, it is understood.

    The Brexiteer Conservative is expected to attempt to replace Mr Sunak if the party is defeated on 4 July.

    Mr Baker hinted at a leadership run if he retains his Wycombe seat at the general election.

    Mr Baker’s intention to stand was first reported by HuffPost after he told the website he would make a good leader as he was nominated to lead Tory rebellions by his colleagues four times over the past decade - over Brexit, COVID lockdowns and net zero.

    He was the first serving minister to call for those placing bets on the election date to be suspended by the party after it emerged in mid June candidates Craig Williams and Laura Saunders did so.

    The PM has said he will “of course” stay on as an MP even if the Tories lose the election, however, he could be ousted or forced to quit as leader if his own party has no confidence in him.

    The original article contains 450 words, the summary contains 180 words. Saved 60%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!