Many contenders, but no favourite to follow May if Brexit plot succeeds
Jacob Rees-mogg, who effectively triggered a coup against Theresa May’s leadership yesterday, ruled himself out as a potential successor, saying “this isn’t about me”.
He offered a number of suggestions for future Tory leaders, saying only the next party chief had to be someone who “believes in Brexit”.
However, despite Mr Reesmogg’s claim the party is full of talent ready to take over from the Prime Minister there is no longer an obvious favourite waiting in the wings. That in itself may make it difficult to convince MPS to get rid of Mrs May.
The cabinet secretary whose resignation sparked the crisis
in earnest, Dominic Raab, is thought to have ambitions to lead the Conservatives, but has little profile among the party membership and will not risk being seen as disloyal for quitting just as a Brexit deal was within reach.
David Davis, his predecessor at the Brexit department, could also be drafted in as an interim leader in the event Mrs May is ousted, but is not thought of as a long-term contender who could lead the Conservatives into the next general election.
Boris Johnson is no longer considered a leader-in-waiting following his own resignation. Michael Gove, whose fate in government was uncertain last night, made a catastrophic bid for the leadership in 2016, but could still emerge as a contender. He is thought to be preferred by many moderate Tory MPS and has been linked to leading party figures, including Amber Rudd, a possible leader in her own right, and Scotland’s Ruth Davidson.
Sajid Javid has meanwhile boosted his profile as Home Secretary, but backed Remain in the EU referendum.