Who will replace Rishi Sunak? Nigel Farage on shortlist for shock Tory leader replacement

Kemi Badenoch is the favourite to take over as the next Conservative Party leader should Rishi Sunak stand down after the General Election.

The Prime Minister has previously said if his party were to lose the election, he will stay on as the MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire. But he is expected to stand down as Tory leader following the catastrophic losses for his party.

However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is also a shock contender in the latest odds released by Betfair Exchange, at 15/1. He is marginally ahead of Suella Braverman and James Cleverly (10/1).

But who do you think should replace Rishi Sunak? Vote in our poll below or click here to vote for the next Tory leader.

Kemi Badenoch - 2/1

The Business and Trade Secretary was re-elected in the redrawn North West Essex seat, which was previously Saffron Walden.

Kemi Badenoch received 19,360 votes to Labour candidate Issy Waite’s 16,750, down from her 27,594 majority in 2019.

She's previously refused to rule out a leadership bid and odds suggest she could be a frontrunner.

Suella Braverman - 13/1

The former Home Secretary and Fareham and Waterlooville MP made an early exit in the 2022 race but could throw her hat in the ring again.

Suella Braverman was popular with the Tory base over her tough stance on illegal migration.

Tom Tugendhat - 9/2

The former minister for security Tom Tugendhat was returned to Parliament from his Tonbridge seat, securing 20,517 votes. Thanking his voters, he expressed how "very grateful" he is to continue as MP but acknowledged it was a "very, very difficult night" for his party.

Robert Jenrick - 17/2

Robert Jenrick retained his Newark seat, becoming the last remaining Conservative MP in Nottinghamshire after Ben Bradley, Brendan Clarke-Smith, Ruth Edwards, Darren Henry, Tom Randall and Mark Spencer all lost their seats.

Priti Patel - 7/1

Another familiar face to many, sources close to Priti Patel suggest she hasn't ruled out a leadership bid.

Nigel Farage - 15/1

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage won a Commons seat at his eighth attempt and promised his party would "stun all of you" as it picked up four Commons seats.

Jeremy Hunt - 11/1

Having held on to his seat, and being seen as a trusted member, the former Chancellor could throw his hate in the ring - again.

Speaking after his election victory at the Godalming and Ash count was announced, Jeremy Hunt said: "Across the country tonight, it's a bitter pill to swallow for the Conservative Party.

"We have achieved much in government and the economy has transformed from where it was post-pandemic. Some Conservatives will wonder whether the scale of our crushing defeat was really justified.

"But when you lose the trust of the electorate, all that matters is having the courage and humility to ask yourself, why? So that you can earn it back again.

James Cleverly - 10/1

Another former home secretary, James Cleverly is one of the more experienced candidates who could be up for the top job.

Others

• Boris Johnson - 10/1
• Nigel Farage - 10/1
• David Cameron - 16/1
• Not in the running

A record number of Conservative Cabinet members have lost their seats, including Grant Schapp,s Penny Mordaunt, Alex Chalk, Johnny Mercer, Michael Fabricant, Therese Coffrey, David Davies and Jacob Rees Mogg.

Betfair Exchange spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “As punters predicted, it was a disastrous night for the Tories who took an almighty battering with their surviving MPs left to pick up the pieces, and with Rishi Sunak's future in doubt it looks as though we're about to see another Conservative leadership race.

“Betfair Exchange punters are now convinced the person to replace Sunak will be Kemi Badenoch who is now at 2/1 to lead the party in opposition, she has been the favourite for some time and has been further backed in from 9/2 before last night's exit poll.

“But faith also remains in some familiar faces, with punters eyeing Tom Tugendhat is at 9/2, Priti at 7/1 and former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt at 11/2 as likely candidates for next leader.

“But as the soul-searching begins, and debate rages about the direction the Tory party will now take, punters are keeping keen eyes on a certain newly-elected MP for Clacton…

“It may have taken him eight attempts, but Nigel Farage now has a seat in the House of Commons, along with only three of his Reform colleagues, however, while he's their party leader there has long been speculation surrounding his future and he is currently 15/1 to be the next Conservative leader.”