Transport secretary Grant Shapps is reported to be one of the first senior Conservative MPs to be considering a leadership bid.
The MP for Welwyn Hatfield was part of a delegation of cabinet ministers who told Boris Johnson on Wednesday evening (July 7) that he should stand down.
Johnson quit as Conservative leader earlier on Thursday but said he will stay on as PM until a successor is chosen.
Sky News reported: “Transport secretary Grant Shapps is believed to be considering a Conservative Party leadership bid as deputy prime minister Dominic Raab and Michael Gove ruled themselves out of the contest, Sky News understands.
“It is understood that the transport secretary is one of the first senior Conservative MPs to be seriously considering the option of standing in the upcoming race.”
The broadcaster also said former health secretary Sajid Javid is also considering a leadership bid.
Shapps became well known among the public and travel industry professionals during the pandemic, thanks to his announcements on Twitter of changes to Covid regulations, such as air corridors, red lists and testing rules.
More: Grant Shapps defends government support for travel industry
‘Thanks for nothing’: Agent sends Christmas card to Grant Shapps [Dec 21]
Shapps denies making 24-hour U-turn on Covid travel tests [Dec 21]