Leader in waiting?

HOW long Theresa May survives as prime minister is open to question. A shambolic Tory leadership battle at this stage would be a disaster. She will step down at some point. That’s inevitable. The question is: who will replace her?

For a time, it looked like Boris. Not now. His Cabinet resignation “personal statement” to the Commons lacked the gravitas and bite of many of its historical predecessors. Followed by a media frenzy about his personal life and resultant divorce, Boris began looking about as shambolic as his haircut.

Contrast that with David Davies’s resignation statement. It was statesman-like, principled and totally lacking in vindictiveness. He came out of it enhanced. He has now spoken for a whole country, to a packed Bolton meeting: “Britain will not be bullied and if French President Macron thinks we can be, I suggest he reads our history books.” He went on. “Disrespect our PM and you disrespect our country. Disrespect our referendum result and you disrespect our democracy” he cried, to rapturous applause.

This week he endorsed the Institute of Economic Affairs report setting out why a Canadastyle, simple free-trade agreement with the EU is the best option, freeing the UK entirely from the EU, its agencies and its dictates. “That is what Britain voted for,” he said. Spoton, David.

He says he has “no interest” in becoming prime minister. Good. Anybody wanting the lousy job should be disqualified on grounds of insanity. It also makes David the perfect candidate to be so. Good luck to you, mate.