British PM race hots up with at least 11 contenders unveiling bids

The unceremonious exit of Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister paved a way for many potential contenders to expressed their interests to replace him as the new premier and also leader of the Tory party.

As of Monday, at least eleven candidates have joined the cut-throat race for the Tory leadership, including some seasoned campaigners and underdogs.

UK foreign minister Liz Truss, 46, is seen as the front-runner in the race, followed by former defense minister Penny Mordaunt, 49.

Declaring her plans in the Daily Telegraph, Truss, one of Johnson's staunchest allies, pledged to start cutting taxes "from day one".

The foreign secretary said she would "fight the election as a Conservative and govern as a Conservative".

Other favorites include former finance minister Rishi Sunak, 42, and former health minister Sajid Javid, 52.

There are reports that Sunak has asked Javid to step aside and support his campaign to become PM. The former Chancellor is being tipped as a strong contender to replace Johnson although Javid could ruin his plans.