LONDON (REUTERS) - UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has gained backing from Brexit negotiator David Frost and British lawmaker Suella Braverman in a race to become the next prime minister, British media reported on Thursday (July 14).
Ms Truss, who received 64 votes in the second round of the Conservative Party's leadership election on Thursday, pledged an "upward trajectory" for the economy by 2024, when the next national election would take place.
Former finance minister Rishi Sunak topped with 101 votes, followed by junior trade minister Penny Mordaunt with 83.
The Times reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is urging defeated leadership candidates to back "anyone but Rishi".
He has held conversations with failed contenders and made clear his view that Sunak should not become the prime minister.
The report, citing a source close to one of the conversations, said Mr Johnson appeared most keen on Ms Truss.
Mr Sunak has been endorsed by leading party figures including Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Transport Minister Grant Shapps.
Mr Frost, in an op-ed in The Telegraph, urged lawmaker Kemi Badenoch to withdraw from the race and back Ms Truss.
"She has the right ideas and the energy to deliver them. She deserves to be our next Prime Minister to take our country forward and I will support her," Mr Frost wrote.
Ms Braverman, who was eliminated from the race with only 27 votes, said she will support Ms Truss while influential Conservative Party lawmaker Steve Baker, who had supported Ms Braverman, also said he would support Ms Truss, The Times said.
