LONDON — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned as leader of the Conservative Party on Thursday.

He said he will stay on as prime minister while the party selects a new leader.

Given that the Conservative Party won the last election in a landslide, the country won't necessarily have to head to the polls again.

Instead, next week, a small group of Conservative legislators inside Parliament — known as the 1922 Committee

will determine the rules for a new leadership contest that will help select Johnson's replacement from among the 350 or so Conservative lawmakers.

Here are some of those who could — based on popularity, experience or expressions of interest — compete to become the next British prime minister in the weeks and months to come .

Since 2020, Sunak served as chancellor of the Exchequer

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak

His popularity with the British public as a top Cabinet member soared during the coronavirus pandemic, as his treasury department announced a series of policies that provided many citizens with financial support.

A former treasury chief and, until recently, the country's health secretary, Javid's resignation Tuesday night also helped precipitate the Cabinet rebellion

Sajid Javid

Sajid Javid

Wallace is among the longer-serving lawmakers to be considered as a front-runner.

Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace

As the current attorney general, Braverman has previously worked as a courtroom attorney, known in Britain as a barrister,

Suella Braverman

Suella Braverman

she was the first serving minister to insist publicly that Johnson must resign and, almost in the same breath, said she would herself plans to run for the Conservative Party leadership in any subsequent contest.

Suella Braverman

Suella Braverman

He has previously served as the minister of culture, health and foreign affairs over almost a decadelong career in the British Cabinet. 

Jeremy Hunt

Jeremy Hunt