Boris the boat-rocker

YES, the Mail shares many of Boris Johnson’s deep reservations over the compromise Brexit proposals agreed at Chequers. But as he steps up his efforts to make trouble for the Prime Minister, has he properly thought this through?

Suppose he succeeds in scuppering any deal endorsed by Mrs May (something Michel Barnier seems intent on doing, with or without his help). True, this could sink her, while giving him the chance to succeed her. But what then?

Leave aside the precious time that would be wasted on a leadership contest. As the Parliamentary arithmetic stands, it is surely inconceivable that Boris could negotiate Brexit terms acceptable to both Westminster and the EU.

So what then? Yet another general election, to seek a mandate for a cleaner break? Not only would this waste yet more time, it would also raise the horrific possibility of a Corbyn-led Marxist government.

Nobody can deny that Chequers is a fudge. But there will surely be time enough in the years ahead to put its shortcomings right (always assuming the EU survives). For the moment, the priority is to get out.