THE future of the country is uncertain as nobody knows who will be the next prime minister - but there have been plenty of educated guesses.

As Boris Johnson resigned as leader of the Conservative Party and is expected to step down from his post as PM in October, many names are being bandied about for his possible successor.

The Conservatives will elect the party's next leader in the coming months. It could be deputy PM Dominic Raab, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt - who came second in the last leadership election, who knows?

A few of the more unlikely suggested candidates included Stephen Toast of BBC comedy Toast of London, Bart Simpson, Hugh Grant’s PM from Love Actually, Ali G, Count Binface, Mr Blobby, Jeremy Clarkson, and some Adver readers nominating themselves.

Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace got mentioned more than once, as did Wycombe representative Steve Baker MP, Rory Stewart MP, and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Alexander Mancari said: "Steve Baker, Jeremy Hunt or Tobias Elwood."

The idea of Mick Lynch, Secretary-General of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, leading the country got a few likes, though he is not an MP.

Stan Bonner wished the opposition were in power so that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could be the next PM, while Paul Greenwood wished Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Angela Rayner was in charge.

Richard Gale didn't mind who got the top job as long as it wasn't a Conservative.

Adrian Thrush thought Jacob Rees-Mogg "would be absolutely fantastic", though other commenters disagreed.

One thing Adver readers mainly agreed on - it will not be South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland.

He did not rule himself out from entering the Conservative Party leadership contest and becoming that next prime minister, but dozens of comments expressed dismay or despair at the idea.

Christopher Keating said: "No. He’s got a fight on his hands to retain his seat at the next election." 

Sidney Ansell added: "You're having a laugh, another no-hoper."

A couple of people sprang to his defence. Sheila Mitchell said "he is a good MP" while Alison Cross-Jones added: "At least he was calling for Boris to resign ages ago. I'd rather him than some of the others some of whom are as bad as Boris."

Jodie Dommett summed up the situation: "Doesn't matter, they never do what they say they're going do anyway. Who seriously wants that job? They're just the one that gets the blame."