Biting the ballot
Ministers split over the next steps
While ministers wait to see if the EU will offer an extension to the Brexit deadline, they are split on whether Boris Johnson should go for a snap general election or push his exit deal through Parliament. Here’s who’s in which camp.
Electioneers
Vote Leave campaigners in 10 Downing St
Dominic Cummings, joint chief of staff, and advisers Lee Cain, Robert Oxley, Chloe Westley
Argument: An election during the extension period is the PM’S best chance of securing a healthy majority for the next five years, to then take the UK out of the EU.
‘Go for it’ Cabinet ministers
Liz Truss, Gavin Williamson, Ben Wallace, Robert Jenrick, Sajid Javid, Priti Patel, Matt Hancock, Jacob Rees-mogg
Argument: They want a ‘People vs Parliament’ election for Mr Johnson to fight a short campaign promising a near immediate Brexit deal if he wins a majority.
Donors
The Midlands Industrial Council, whose members donate millions to the Tories each year
Argument:
Johnny Leavesley, its chairman, says major donors are desperate for an election to tackle Jeremy Corbyn and deal with the “sclerotic block” in Parliament over Brexit.
Grassroots members
The Campaign for Conservative Democracy
Argument: Tory party members want an election now but there has to be a deal with the Brexit Party not to fight in some seats.
Dealers ‘Old school’ advisers in No 10
Eddie Lister, joint chief of staff with advisers John Bew, David Frost, Douglas Mcneill and Ben Gascoigne
Argument: The PM can win 10 years in power if he can deliver Brexit before an election.
No-deal worriers in the Cabinet
Michael Gove, Steve Barclay, Julian Smith, Therese Coffey
Argument: The economic cons of no-deal are too big to ignore; far better to sort a deal now, then go to the polls.
‘Traumatised’ 2017 ministers
Nicky Morgan, Andrea Leadsom
Argument: The Tories were 20 points ahead going into the 2017 election yet that disappeared after a disastrous campaign. One source says: “It traumatised people.”
Remain-vulnerable Cabinet ministers
Theresa Villiers, Alok Sharma
Argument: MPS with seats in the South-east worry that fear of Brexit will drive supporters to the Lib Dems.