Tory Backbencher Hints Intention to Contest for Leadership If Johnson Loses in a Confidence Vote

Committee chairman Tom Tugendhat asks a question as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (not pictured) gives evidence to the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee in London on Sept. 1, 2021. House of Commons/Screenshot via PA

A British Conservative backbencher who was reportedly floated as a potential candidate to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indicated on Saturday that he’s willing to run if a leadership contest is triggered.

Tom Tugendhat, a former soldier who chairs Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said it would be a “huge privilege” to become prime minister and that everyone should join the race if they think they can do it.