Britain's Defence Minister rules himself out of race for leadership

British Defence Minister Ben Wallace said after “cautious reports” and discussions with colleagues and family, he will not run to replace Boris Johnson as the conservative leader and the country's next prime minister.

Wallace was seen by some as the preferred choice among members of the Conservative Party in what will be an open race for leadership, after Johnson's resignation was announced Thursday.

Johnson left the party leader's post after months of insistence that he would remain in the task despite increasing ethics scandals. He said he would remain as prime minister until the party chooses his successor.

Richi Sunak, who has resigned as finance minister, the most familiar of the leadership contenders and considered the favourite, began the race Friday.

General Prosecutor Suella Braverman, lawmaker Tom Tugendhet and former Justice Minister Kemi Badenoch have also thrown their hat in the ring, and other reports are expected during the coming days.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Treasury Chief Nadhim Zahawi and Minister of Commerce Penny Mor Ashdown are also expected to run, as well as former Health Secretary Siid Javed and Jeremy Hunt.

Wallace said his decision was not a “an easy choice to make, but my focus is on my current work and to keep this magnificent” safe.

conservative party officials on Monday are expected to set the deadline for a leadership race, with the aim of winning a winner by the end of summer. The two-step process includes conservative lawmakers who vote to reduce the field of candidates in two, who will go to a vote of all party members.

Johnson's announcement was made after more than 50 British officials resigned from their posts.

The discontent in Johnson's cabinet emerged after some recent revelations concerning conservative lawmaker Chris Pincher's improper sexual behaviour and it was reported that Johnson was aware of these events.