Jeremy Hunt considering Conservative leadership attempt
Health Minister also calls for second referendum on terms of European exit deal
- David Cameron resigned as PM and Tory leader on Friday after Brexit result
- Chancellor George Osborne rules himself out of leadership contest
UK health minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday that he is seriously considering a bid for the leadership of the Conservative party when David Cameron steps down in October. Hunt also called on the government to delay the process surrounding invoking Article 50, while they hold a second referendum on EU membership.
Cameron announced his resignation from the offices of Tory leader and prime minister on Friday after the United Kingdom dramatically voted to leave the European Union in a historic referendum.
Conservative MPs are now considering their options as to who will take over the party as they head towards an uncertain poltical future in Britain.
Conservative MPs are now considering their options as to who will take over the party
Hunt, speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, said "I am seriously considering it. Nominations close on Thursday lunchtime."
"But what I want to do now is start making an argument as to what we do next as a country. This is a big, big change and if we get it right we can succeed."
Many have suggested that the new leader must come from someone who backed the Leave campaign during the referendum, but Hunt has doubts.
"They are not going to choose someone who does not accept the verdict of the British people. But I think now we've got to move beyond that argument. We are leaving the EU and we have got to have a discussion about the kind of country we want to be."
"I am seriously considering it. Nominations close on Thursday lunchtime." Jeremy Hunt
He made it clear that the referendum decision was one that was not binding for parliament, and that the country should negotiate the terms of its exit before putting it to another vote.
"We must not invoke Article 50 straight away because that puts a time limit of two years on negotiations after which we could be thrown out with no deal at all."
"So before setting the clock ticking, we need to negotiate a deal and put it to the British people, either in a referendum or on Britain's terms for leaving the European Union."
Former London mayor and leading Leave campaigner Boris Johnson remains the favourite with the bookmakers to become the next prime minister, but is expected to be challenged by some cabinet ministers.
