Candidates jostle to replace UK PM Boris Johnson in packed race

Nine candidates have launched campaigns to be next PM; new leader should be in place by Sept. 5, party officer says

The contest to replace British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gathered pace on Sunday as five more candidates declared their intention to run, with many pledging lower taxes and a clean start from Johnson's scandal-ridden premiership.

Johnson on Thursday said he would resign as prime minister, after lawmakers and cabinet colleagues rebelled over his handling of a series of scandals, including breaches of lockdown rules in gatherings at his Downing Street office.

He said he would stay on until a new leader was elected.

A member of a Conservative party committee which sets the rules for leadership elections