Ms Truss and Mr Sunak have spent the past six weeks battling to convince Tory members that they have what it takes to lead the party – and the country – after Boris Johnson resigned. But the nation is now hours away from finding out which of the pair has won the keys to Number 10. At around 12.30pm, the returning officer for the Conservative leadership election – the chairman of the 1922 committee of MPs, Sir Graham Brady – will announce the result of the contest. Who will be the next prime minister? Watch and watch live from 12.30 on Monday as Boris Johnson’s successor is announced Mr Johnson will return to the Tory backbenches later this week, while the winner of the leadership race will look to appoint his top team after visiting the Queen at Balmoral. On the eve of the announcement, Ms Truss – widely tipped to beat rival Mr Sunak for most of the contest – promised to unveil a plan to tackle the energy crisis within a week if she becomes prime minister. The Foreign Secretary declined to elaborate on how that might be, but Sky News political editor Beth Rigby understands from political and Whitehall sources that – if she wins the leadership contest – Ms Truss will announce a support package to be made. be larger than expected. “I think it will be a moment of shock and awe,” said a senior ally of Ms Truss. “Knowing Liz well, she’s going to want a big bang package that’s bigger than people expect, and that’s not just about energy, but about resistance to Treasury orthodoxy. She’ll want to show the public that she’s listening.” There have been increasingly loud calls in recent weeks for the government to step in to support the most vulnerable, with energy bills rising to around £3,500 this winter for the average household. Meanwhile, former chancellor Mr Sunak, who has described himself as an “outsider” for much of the campaign, reiterated that he would continue to be an MP if he loses the election during an interview with the BBC. He also did not rule out running for the leadership again if he does not win this time. The latest poll of Tory party members has suggested Mrs Truss will win the leadership race. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:42 What will be on the PM disc? The interviews came as the two candidates were warned that the next prime minister faces the second most difficult task since the Second World War. Speaking to Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday, senior Tory David Davies said whoever inherits the keys to No 10 faces the second toughest post-war in-tray, after Margaret Thatcher. Johnson will officially remain in his post until his replacement officially takes office on Tuesday. For the first time in her reign, the Queen will welcome Mr Johnson to her Scottish residence of Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, due to ongoing health problems. Here, Mr. Johnson will formally submit his resignation. This will be followed by an audience with the new Tory leader, where he will be asked to form a government. Later in the week, the new Prime Minister is expected to give a speech outside Downing Street, appoint the Cabinet and other ministers and take part in their first session of Prime Minister’s Questions against Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer. Read more: What time is the result and what happens next? Mr Johnson has sought to use his final weeks to outline what he sees as his legacy from his time in Downing Street. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:59 Will you rule out a comeback? He was reluctant to discuss his future plans for when he would leave Number 10, but asked what kind of former prime minister he would be, the current prime minister told reporters on Thursday: “I think only time will tell is my answer to that . “But my intention and what I will certainly do is to give my full and unreserved support to whoever takes over from me. “Otherwise, really to get on with life.” Read more: Who is vying for top positions in the next government? Meanwhile, a close ally of Mr Johnson hinted that this may not be the end of his front-line political career. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:34 Never say never on Johnson’s return Lord Edward Lister was asked on Sky News’ Sophie Ridge on Sunday about reports that some MPs were experiencing “seller’s remorse” over Johnson’s departure and wanted him back. He said Johnson was “the best prime minister we’ve had”, adding: “I think he will continue to be a good prime minister. I think he would be very successful in a further general election.” Asked if he might be tempted to make a comeback, Lord Lister added: “Well, maybe in the future, I’d never say anything with Boris Johnson, anything is possible in the future.”
