The resignation of a head of state never happens without good reason and is always a sign of great change.

On 5 September, following the resignation of Boris Johnson, the new Prime Minister of Great Britain will now be officially appointed.

But what led to the resignation of the current head of state in the first place and who could succeed him?

Why did Boris Johnson resign?

Boris Johnson’s resignation was triggered by enormous political pressure. Prior to the announcement of his resignation, over 50 other government officials had already resigned in protest against Johnson. Among them were many important ministers, such as Education Minister Michelle Donelan.

This protest arose out of the latest scandal involving the Prime Minister, who is currently still in office. Boris Johnson has given an important office to his party colleague Chris Pincher. However, allegations of sexual harassment against Pincher have now come to light. At the time of the promotion, the Prime Minister is said to have already known about these allegations.

In addition to the other well-known escapades of Boris Johnson, such as the various lockdown parties, this was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Who could become the new Prime Minister of Great Britain?

The race to become the UK’s next prime minister is now down to two candidates, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

Rishi Sunak, a former finance minister is a household name within the Tory Party. He was also one the ministers who resigned in protest against Johnson. However, there have also been allegations against the former finance minister of enriching in office and using various tax dodges.

Liz Truss who is British foreign minister on the other hand is thought to have enjoyed considerable support among the Conservative Party and has polled better than Sunak in surveys.

Part of the reason might be Truss’s own attempts to portray herself as a latter-day Margaret Thatcher. However, another point for support might be her promise to deliver immediate tax cuts, if she is elected.

Sunak and Truss are competing for the votes of about 200,000 Conservative members who will select the next Prime Minister, with the winner announced 5 September.

Taxes have dominated the campaign race so far. Sunak has accused Truss of being “dishonest” with voters over her promises of immediate tax cuts, saying he would wait until inflation is under control before cutting taxes. Truss says that would push the country into recession.

Over 60% of Conservatives in the Techne poll said Truss had better ideas on tax and inflation than Sunak. They also favoured her immigration plans.

However, respondents said Sunak had better policies on Brexit and energy.

The YouGov poll showed a majority backed Truss on the cost of living, migration, and defence.

Only time will tell who will win and what this will bring to the UK people and to the UK economy.