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Johnson said COVID-19 had first appeared as a "cloud on the horizon" and not the "typhoon" that went on to kill more than 230,000 people in Britain.
The Conservatives selected Steve Tuckwell to be their candidate for the vote, the party said in a statement on Thursday
The resignation will trigger a by-election for his constituency in west London
Sir Gavin Williamson, who was minister of state without portfolio as of yet, was accused of abusive behaviour towards fellow Conservative Party colleagues and civil servants after which he posted his resignation on Twitter.
The 42-year-old is all set to assume the position left vacant by Liz Truss.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed he would be pulling out of the contest.
Former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is a potential contender while Penny Mordaunt has become the first official candidate.
Sunak got 115 votes in the third ballot of Conservative lawmakers on Monday, ahead of former defence minister Penny Mordaunt on 82 and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on 71.
The current prime minister appeared most keen on Liz Truss, the foreign secretary, endorsed by his fiercest cabinet allies.
Fellow Indian-origin candidate, Attorney General Suella Braverman, features last on the latest tally.
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