Boris Johnson’s resignation announcement has fired the starting pistol on the Conservative leadership race.
It will be the third such contest in seven years since David Cameron resigned in 2016, just a year after winning a majority for his second term as Prime Minister.
Theresa May replaced him after defeating Michael Gove in the final round of the contest.
Then when she was forced to resign in 2019, Eight MPS initially contested the leadership until Boris Johnson defeated Jeremy Hunt, to take office.
READ MORE: 'Them's the breaks' Boris Johnson resigns with swipe at Tory MPs who ousted him
Now Jonson has also gone, without completing a full term, The Tory Party will again choose a new leader who will automatically become Prime Minister in the middle of a parliamentary term.
A look at the possible contenders this time around throws up some old names, who have been previous contenders and a few new ones who could fancy their chances.
In the first round there could be around a dozen if they get the required eight MPs to back a leadership bid.
They will then face a series of run offs until only two remain in a final vote.
Here are some of the possible contenders to be the next Conservative leader and Prime Minister
Rishi Sunak
Former Chancellor, appointed by Boris Johnson. He put in place the furlough scheme and eat out to help out programme during the pandemic.
His resignation, along with Sajid Javid was the first domino leading to more than 50 resignations in two days.
Sunak has been quiet since his resignation leading to speculation he is busy preparing a leadership bid.
His family finances have come under scrutiny as his wife, Akshata Murty whose billionaire father owns an Indian software firm and questions had been asked about her non-dom taxpayer status which she later gave up.
Likely to be one of the front runners should he decide to stand.
Sajid Javid
Former health Secretary, who resigned on Tuesday.
He was first appointed to government by David Cameron in the Treasury then as Culture Secretary.
He was home secretary under Theresa May.
Former Managing Director of Deutsche Bank he was appointed Chancellor by Boris Johnson only to resign days later in a row over special advisers.
He stood previously, coming fourth in 2019 and would be seen as a serious contender should he decide to stand again.
Liz Truss
Foreign secretary, one of the cabinet who did not resign, choosing to remain loyal to Boris Johnson.
An Oxford graduate she spent part of her education in Primary school in Paisley before her family moved to Leeds.
Truss has extensive government experience and has served in cabinet under the last three Prime Ministers and would be a contender.
Her loyalty to Boris Johnson could be an impediment to securing support of fellow MPs.
Nadhim Zahawi
Current Chancellor, appointed by Boris Johnson days ago when Rishi Sunak resigned.
A former education secretary he was born in Iraqi, his family left for Britain when he was 11
He is reportedly one of the highest earning MPs, from outside interests, with a large property portfolio. At present it is reported that his finances are being probed by the National Crime agency
Hugely ambitious, his candidature would be no surprise. Again, his willingness to take a job from Johnson could be a barrier to support.
Ben Wallace
Defence Secretary under Boris Johnson. A former MSP for north east Scotland in the first Term of Holyrood from 1999 to 2003.
He is a former Scots Guard, having served in Northern Ireland from a family with a military background.
It is not clear I he has ambitions to be Prime Minister but has been tipped by some as a serious contender should he seek nomination.
Penny Mordaunt
Former Defence Secretary. Now trade minister, she could go far in the contest with reportedly a lot of support among MPs and is seen as a serious contender.
Backed Boris Johnson, backed Brexit.
She has also served under David Cameron, becoming an MP in 2010 and under Theresa May at Defence.
Dominic Raab
Deputy Prime Minister, who stood in for Boris Johnson when he was in hospital with Covid.
Seen as a possible challenger but was sixth int eh contest when Boris Johnson won the leadership in 2019.
His challenge will be to convince more MPs this time that he can unite the party and win the next election.
Michael Gove
Defeated by Theresa May after he put paid to a Boris Johnson leadership bid in 2016.
Told Boris Johnson he should resign only to be sacked hours later as levelling up minister. Another with extensive experience but would he have enough support for another leadership bid should he be interested. Maybe his time has passed.
Jeremy Hunt
Lost to Boris Johnson in the final round three years ago.
Hunt has served as health secretary, foreign secretary and culture secretary in previous governments. He rejected an offer of a job in Boris Johnson’s cabinet
He has hinted at a leadership bid but he may be another whose chance has passed.
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