LONDON, July 27 (Reuters) - Former British interior minister Priti Patel launched her bid to become new leader of the opposition Conservative Party on Saturday, making her the fifth candidate seeking to replace the outgoing Rishi Sunak.

Sunak stepped down as leader following the party’s worst ever election performance earlier this month, but said he would stay as acting leader until his successor was chosen.

Patel became the first female candidate to replace him, launching her bid with the slogan “Unite to Win” - a reference to the fractured and often factional nature of the party following 14 turbulent years in government.