Boris divorce could cost Tories at next election if he becomes their leader
Boris Johnson’s dream of becoming Prime Minister has not been ended by his divorce – but it could make it harder for the Conservatives to win the next election if he is leader.
And it appears to have helped Theresa May fight off the danger of a challenge by the former foreign secretary in the vital next few months of Brexit talks.
These are among the findings of a survation poll for the Daily Mail, the first official survey conducted since Mr Johnson’s divorce from Marina Wheeler was announced.
An overwhelming 64 per cent say the divorce and claims of infidelity by Mr Johnson do not make him unfit to become Prime Minister. This compares with 18 per cent, nearly one in five, who say they do.
Tory voters are even more likely to say infidelity claims should make no difference – 76 per cent to 16 per cent. However, 30 per cent of all voters say they would be less likely to vote Conservative if he is leader, against 21 per cent who say they would be more likely to support him.
Among Tory voters the response is more evenly balanced.
There is also clear evidence of greater tolerance to politicians whose private lives hit the headlines: 46 per cent of all voters say it is wrong to judge them on their private conduct; 41 per cent say it is fair to do this.
The most positive aspect of the survey from Conservative loyalists’ point of view is that, when asked who is the better PM, Mrs May or Mr Johnson, 55 per cent of Tory voters choose her with 29 per cent preferring Mr Johnson. Across all voters, 37 per cent believe Mrs May is the better PM, compared to 31 per cent for Mr Johnson.
The poll also suggests that claims by Brexiteer Tory MPs that the party faithful has given up on the Prime Minister’s much criticised Chequers deal could be premature.
Given a straight choice between the fervent anti-European ‘Brexit vision’ offered by Mr Johnson and Mrs May’s more cautious Chequers blueprint for Britain’s EU withdrawal, 38 per cent of Tories favour Mr Johnson, with 35 per cent in support of the woman whose Cabinet he walked out of weeks ago – a close result.
Across all voters, 34 per cent support Mr Johnson’s plan and 28 per cent Mrs May’s.
The poll also found that the Tories enjoy a slim lead over Labour among voters – 38 per cent versus 37 per cent.
Jeremy Corbyn’s failure to tackle anti-semitism is likely to account for his party’s low standing.
The Liberal Democrats attracted 10 per cent support in the poll, compared to 4 per cent for Ukip.
Damian Lyons Lowe, chief executive of survation, said: ‘The public are unconcerned over revelations regarding Johnson’s private life, and marginally prefer Johnson’s Brexit plans over those of Theresa May – small comfort for Boris and his supporters.
‘However, the polling suggests “Prime Minister Johnson” would be a vote loser for the Conservative Party while the Conservative voter base significantly back Theresa May as the best option for PM.
‘Despite the Prime Minister’s poor favourability ratings and the public’s clear view that Brexit negotiations are going badly, Boris Johnson, on the evidence, would not appear to be the candidate to improve the fortunes of the Conservative Party.’
‘Evidence of greater tolerance’