Nigel Farage slams ‘damaging’ Conservative Party leadership

She told the Sunday Times: “I’m backing Rishi not because he would be the country’s first ethnic minority Prime Minister, but because he would be a great leader during a time of crisis and difficulty.”

Ms Badenoch added: “I believe he understands the necessity for unity and bringing others along on the journey before making difficult decisions. Just like Mrs Thatcher did.”

The trade secretary is the first standing Cabinet member to endorse Mr Sunak, having previously worked alongside him. 

She was a multi-brief minister under Boris Johnson, holding roles as the Minister of State for Local Government, Faith and Communities and Equalities while Mr Sunak was Chancellor.

READ MORE: Boris has hit 100 MPs needed for leadership bid, claim supporters

Kemi Badenoch backs Rishi Sunak to become next PM saying ‘he is man for the job’ (Image: GETTY)

He said Mr Johnson was a “hero” for delivering Brexit with a caveat that he brought “chaos and confusion”.

Mr Sunak is “a capable leader who can deliver a Conservative programme”, he concluded. 

As he continues to gather momentum, Mr Sunak’s candidacy has exposed a rift on the Tory right. 

Priti Patel, one of Mr Johnson’s chief generals and Home Secretary, supported the ex-PM’s bid to reclaim his seat at the party’s helm. 

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In a short statement posted to Twitter, she said he has “the mandate to deliver our elected manifesto and a proven track record getting the big decisions right”.