Sunak may head for US if he loses PM battle

LONDON: Speculation is mounting about Rishi Sunak’s future as another poll showed Liz Truss with a huge lead among Tory members in the race for UK prime minister.

Some MPs are predicting that the former chancellor will opt to leave Parliament if he loses the battle, although allies insist he is “not going anywhere”. Senior Conservatives believe Sunak has “burned his boats” during the contest, due to come to a conclusion on September 5, and is unlikely to be offered a job he could accept, the report said.

Research by YouGov found Truss is backed by 66% of party members, who are deciding the successor to Boris Johnson. Sunak has support from only 34%, excluding those who are not sure. Although the 32-point advantage is smaller than was found a fortnight ago, 13% are undecided and nearly six in 10 have voted.

There was also widespread regret that Boris Johnson is going, with 55% saying it was wrong to force him to quit. A former minister said Sunak had links to the US and Silicon Valley, having held a coveted green card.