London: Boris Johnson landed back in Britain on Saturday as his prospective leadership rival Rishi Sunak became the first Tory leadership contender to reach 100 public endorsements from his fellow MPs.
Johnson is attempting to win a second term as prime minister only weeks after he was forced to step down.
The former prime minister was on holiday in the Caribbean when Liz Truss resigned on Thursday after only six weeks in power.
Johnson has not commented publicly about a bid for top post. He has received the support of dozens of Conservative lawmakers, but needs to secure 100 nominations to be considered.
Wearing a dark jacket and backpack, Johnson waved to photographers at the capital’s Gatwick Airport before driving away, reports Reuters.
Rishi Sunak is the current frontrunner to succeed Liz Truss as prime minister but has yet to announce his candidacy.
Johnson officially resigned six weeks ago after a series of scandals and mass resignations among his ministers but is still popular among some Tory MPs and the party membership.