New Prime Minister: Echo readers have their say on a Boris Johnson Conservative comeback and how they'd vote in next election

Liz Truss confirmed her intention to resign as Prime Minister on Thursday, October 20 – 44 days after being selected to replace Boris Johnson, who in turn announced he would stand down in July 2022. In a turbulent week which saw Ms Truss sack Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor, only to resign herself days later, Conservative MPs now have until 2pm on Monday (October 24) to nominate her successor.

We take a closer look at what happens next, if Boris Johnson could make a comeback to Number 10, and how voters feel about the prospect of a general election.

How will the new leader of the Conservatives be chosen?

This next leadership contest is diaried to last a week, with the new Tory leader and prime minister set to be confirmed soon after the contest closes on Friday, October 28.

Under rules set out by Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, any contenders must secure the nominations of 100 of the party’s 357 MPs. Nominations will close at 2pm on Monday, followed by the first ballot between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Later in the week, members can take part part in an online vote to choose their next leader when two candidates remain.

How do voters in Sunderland feel?

Calls are growing for a general election before the scheduled date of January 2025, with Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer saying “it’s time for the public to have a say”. We asked Echo readers how they would vote in the next election, with criticism and support levelled at both the Conservatives and Labour.

Kate Wright: “Labour definitely, this goverment have had their chance and [they] blew it, much to the cost of ordinary folk.”

Roxanne Corbett: “Labour. We are a working class town. Time our needs were listened to.”

Steven Lorrison: “Tories a mess, Labour weak leader, front bench and majority of MPs. I wouldn’t vote this time.”

Mary Pinder: “I wouldn't vote Tories or Labour, but I would definitely use my vote to stop these two parties from getting in.”

John Wild: “None of the above. Never felt so politically homeless.”

Lester Gray: “Wouldn't bother it’s pointless. We vote someone in, they vote them out. If Labour was in charge, would be even worse because they haven’t a clue either. Get Boris back in.”

What about Boris Johnson?

A number of Mr Johnson’s allies – including former culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Jacob Rees-Mogg – have already announced their support for his return to Downing Street, saying he is the man to lead the party and unite the country.

Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak – runner-up to Ms Truss – and Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt are widely expected to stand. But, would some of Sunderland’s electorate like to see Boris back as PM?

Madeleine Butterworth: “Well he has more experience than anyone else in Number 10.”

Carol Garnett: “Bring back Boris.”

Joseph Harper: “If it was Boris … I'd vote Conservative.”

Aynsley Fairclough: “If Boris is leader of Conservatives then I would vote for him.”

Ian William: “Go Boris. Country needs fight, strength and passion right now and he ticks all the boxes.”