Boris Johnson to boost his hopes of becoming PM by backing Theresa May’s Brexit deal
BORIS Johnson has been urged to become a Brexit hero – and boost his hopes of becoming PM.
The former Foreign Secretary’s future rests on whether or not he backs Theresa May’s deal.
He has twice voted against it but admirers believe he must be on the winning side again to stand a chance of making it into Number 10.
BoJo’s chances increased after front runners Jeremy Hunt and Sajid Javid irked grassroots Tories by voting to delay Brexit until the end of June.
One minister told The Sun on Sunday: “There’s a tremendous opportunity for Boris here – bigger than when he decided to support the Leave campaign three years ago.
“In the next few days he can become the man who saves Brexit and be in a great position to mount a leadership challenge.”
Another admirer added: “If he backs the deal and it gets through Parliament at the third attempt, he can claim to be the man who saved Brexit.
“He’s already stolen a march on his two biggest rivals so it would put him in pole position. Win or lose,
Theresa can’t cling on to the job much longer so it would be his for the taking.”
Win or lose this week, Mrs May will be forced to set out her timetable for stepping down.
Some Tories will want her scalp in return for backing their deal – and are certain to demand a new PM to lead future trade talks with EU chiefs.
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If the deal is kicked out for a third time, she will be under immense pressure to go for failing to deliver
Brexit. Brussels will also insist on a fresh face to start from scratch.
Wannabe leaders have stepped up their secret leadership campaigns as D for Departure Day approaches.
Others expected to throw their hats into the ring include Environment Secretary Michael Gove,
Commons leader Andrea Leadsom and former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab.
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