EITHER Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak is set to be announced as the winner of the Conservative leadership contest and the UK’s next prime minister.
It follows a six-week long campaign which has seen the pair travel to hustings up and down the country in an attempt to convince Tory members that they’re the right person for the job.
There were 12 hustings in total, with the only one in Scotland taking place in Perth on August 16.
READ MORE: Scotland loses whether Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss wins, Ian Blackford warns
Below is everything you need to know about what time the new prime minister will be announced and what happens next.
When is the new Prime Minister announced?
At around 12.30pm on Monday afternoon, the returning officer for the Conservative leadership election, chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench MPs, Sir Graham Brady, will announce the winner.
Brady is also expected to give details on the number of votes from the Tory membership with Truss currently the strong favourite to win.
It is believed that the winner may then make a short speech.
What happens after this?
On Tuesday, both outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his successor will head to Balmoral to meet the Queen for the official handover.
Johnson will resign to the Queen who will then appoint the next prime minister shortly after.
For all previous prime ministers during her 70-year reign, the Queen has appointed the leader at Buckingham Palace.
READ MORE: What are the travel plans for Boris Johnson and his successor ahead of Scotland trip?
The BBC’s royal correspondent Peter Hunt has previously said the decision was likely down to the Queen’s health, as she is known to have struggled with mobility issues in recent years.
Downing Street speech
The new prime minister will then make the journey back from Balmoral to London and make their first speech in Downing Street.
It is believed Johnson may make a farewell speech outside No 10 on Tuesday morning before leaving for Balmoral.
What about the Cabinet?
From Tuesday afternoon into the evening, it is expected that the country’s new leader will begin to make key appointments.
It is believed Jacob-Rees Mogg and Suella Braverman are amongst those in line for top positions.
The new leader may also receive calls from other world leaders congratulating them on their appointment.
Truss has previously said her first correspondence would be with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
What comes next?
It is thought Wednesday will be the first day the new cabinet meets officially for the first time with the main topic of conversation likely to be the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Liz Truss pledged in an interview with the BBC to outline support “within one week”.
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At midday, the new prime minister will then take part in their first session of Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons where they will come face-to-face with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Boris Johnson could potentially be watching on from the backbenches.
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