Former chancellor Rishi Sunak claims to have the support of between 80 and 100 MPs, though only a handful have declared their support publicly
Tory MP John Baron says he is “taking sounds over the weekend” before deciding whether he is going to run.
The MP for Basildon and Billericay describes himself as a “relative newcomer” to the race but says he has been “encouraged to give it some thought”.
I haven’t got my eight signatures yet and that is what is apparently required, though the backbench committee next week will confirm that.
So I’m taking soundings and will make a decision next week. I want to appeal to as broad as spectrum of the party as possible.
