Tory Leadership

[Paigntonian]

Isn't it odd that Sunak and Johnson have so far said nothing?

[ToraToraTora]

Not really, they are clearly taking a lot of soundings before they put their size 10s in.

[Ken4155]

Perhaps they are waiting until nearing Monday's deadline. Sunak would have to be way, way out in front of Johnson if he is to stand a cat in hell's chance of taking the top job. And even then, if Johnson refuses to step down and it goes to TTT and his mates.................

[FatticusInch]

If it goes to the Werthers Warriors again the ethnic chappie is toast, plain and simple.

[ToraToraTora]

Ken, just seen an email, apparently the membership will be getting a vote on the final 2 as before it's just a bit of a rush job.

[FatticusInch]

Sky News:

'Difficult to see' how Boris Johnson could be PM amid partygate controversy, Raab says.

It is "difficult to see" how Boris Johnson could become prime minister again when he is "absorbed and distracted" by the issues surrounding partygate, former deputy PM Dominic Raab has said.
Speaking to Sky News this morning, Mr Raab said he was "confident" Mr Sunak would run in the Tory leadership race and was the "standout candidate" among the field.

It went on:

Mr Raab went on to say that while he was "fond" of Boris Johnson and "respected him hugely", the issues surrounding partygate could leave him "distracted".
He said: "The big challenge for Boris is within days of a new prime minister being announced next Friday, the committee on standards and privileges is going to start taking testimony on partygate. That's going to involve witnesses.
"It will I assume have to involve him giving oral evidence and we need a prime minister that is focused relentlessly and consistently with a laser-like focus on the issues facing the country and I think it's very difficult to see how Boris could be prime minister if he is absorbed and distracted by all of that.
"And I say that as someone who thinks he could make a return to frontline politics and who has backed him and is personally very found him."

Strange though that he never piped up once as Deputy PM after Partygate?
Typical SSS, Self-Serving Sycophant.

[bhg481]

If Johnson has any unselfish brain cells and he sees Sunak way ahead with support he should not put himself forward for the sake of party unity. I can't see it happening.

[davebro]

The 5C seem to be assuming that the electorate will rise up in arms if Boris were to return as PM. What is the evidence for this? It was his backstabbing parliamentary party that caused his resignation, I believe the majority of voters would have preferred he continue as PM despite his flaws.

[bobbinwales]

Simple answer paignonian....there's nothing to be gained by going public now no rush. Best to get timing right

[FatticusInch]

bhg481
//If Johnson has any unselfish brain cells and he sees Sunak way ahead with support he should not put himself forward for the sake of party unity. I can't see it happening.//

You’re talking about an oafish clown who would make Narcissus blush.
It’s the Johnson Show, as JRM aka Lord Frackenshire says, Boris or Bust.
I’m actually enjoying the circus that the Tories have become in the last 6 weeks, though it’s not even vaguely funny for the electorate.

[naomi24]

They're waiting to gauge the level of support I suppose. Actually, in a way I hope Boris drops out of the race and lets them all get on with it. Then they'll get what they deserve - and it won't be a pretty sight.

[tomus42]

// If Johnson has any unselfish brain cells.....he should not put himself forward //

He will put himself forward, and if it goes to the party membership (ie the idiots that gave us Truss), he is likely to win, resulting in another two years of chaos in Parliament.

Dear god, as if we're not enough of a worldwide laughing stock already.

[davebro]

at least it would save a bundle on re-decorating the PM's flat

[Ken4155]

TTT, as i understand it, once the final 2 have been sorted, if one is way out in front, it is hoped the other will drop out then there will be no need to burden you members. However, if it's down to Sunak and Johnson, i doubt very much the latter will step down, so you and your mates will get to decide. Just as you did with Truss!

[FatticusInch]

Exactly Ken.
Avatar change imminent eh ToraToraTora?
Never once been the ethnic chap though has it? Lol.
Bet it won’t be even if he got the job.

[Paigntonian]

Fatt: The idea that Werthers are in any traditional was simply a marketing ploy by the makers. Therefore when you refer to Werthers Warriors you're denominating people under 30 years of age.

[naomi24]

If the 'ethnic' chap doesn't get the job, it won't be because he's 'ethnic'. It will be because he's a back-stabbing, self-serving little creep.

[ToraToraTora]

ken 11:34, yes an accurate assessment but remember the party will not vote for the back stabber Sunak so whoever is in the final will take a lot of persuading to withdraw because they know they can win regardless of the support from MPs.

[bhg481]

By "Back-stabber" you mean a man brave enough to stand up and warn the party of the trouble they were getting themselves into by retaining Johnson as leader/PM. Sunak needs to be congratulated not castigated.

[Atheist]

A disadvantage of letting party members vote for leader is that they are unelected, and anyone can register as a party member whatever their true political views. It's a system with a wide open door for entryists to influence the choice of PM.

[FatticusInch]

Paigntonian
//Fatt: The idea that Werthers are in any traditional was simply a marketing ploy by the makers. Therefore when you refer to Werthers Warriors you're denominating people under 30 years of age//

What would you prefer? Ovaltine Octogenarians?