Wyre and Preston North MP Ben Wallace rules out bid to replace Prime Minister

Official portrait of Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP Pic: Richard Townshend

Wyre and Preston North MP Ben Wallace has confirmed he won’t run for the Conservative Party leadership.

The Defence Secretary had been one of the bookmakers’ favourites to succeed Boris Johnson.

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However on Saturday (9 July), Mr Wallace posted his decision on Twitter, saying: “After careful consideration and discussing with colleagues and family, I have taken the decision not to enter the contest for the leadership of the Conservative party. I am very grateful to all my parliamentary colleagues and wider members who have pledged support.”

He continued: “It has not been an easy choice to make, but my focus in on my current job and keeping this great country safe. I wish the very best of luck to all candidates and hope we swiftly return to focusing on the issues that we are all elected to address.”

It has not been an easy choice to make, but my focus is on my current job and keeping this great country safe. I wish the very best of luck to all candidates and hope we swiftly return to focusing on the issues that we are all elected to address. 2/2
— Rt. Hon Ben Wallace MP (@BWallaceMP) July 9, 2022

Political commentators say there will be interest in which MP Mr Wallace chooses to back for the leadership, as it is thought an endorsement from him would be a boost to that candidate’s campaign.