Londoners react to race to be UK's next PM

Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is strong favourite to become Britain's next prime minister within days - or even hours - after former leader Boris Johnson dropped out of the Conservative Party leadership contest.

Sunak, 42, is the only candidate with confirmed support from more than 100 lawmakers, the number needed to run in the election. House of Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt has far fewer expressions of support, but is aiming to reach the threshold by the time nominations close at 2 p.m.

If Mordaunt does not reach 100 nominations, Sunak will win by acclamation and could move into 10 Downing St. by Monday evening. Mordaunt will come under intense pressure to step aside and not force a membership vote if Sunak is the strong favorite among lawmakers.