Nadhim Zahawi and Grant Shapps have announced bids to become the next prime minister, expanding the field to six candidates.
The chancellor and transport secretary promised tax cuts in an attempt to exploit the dividing lines with themselves and Rishi Sunak, the favorite to succeed Boris Johnson. The former chancellor believes taxes can only be reduced when finances improve, and warned conservatives not to cross promises of “fairy tales” to increase spending and reduce taxes.
Zahawi, 55, who will launch his campaign on Monday, says he has lost the Britain he knew and was “full of optimism and limitless opportunities” under Margaret Thatcher has been lost and “change is needed” .
He added: “My goal is simple: to offer the opportunities that were offered to my generation, to everyone.