How the favourites measure up
THERESA MAY
Strengths: Popular with grassroots and the likely rallying post for Tory MPs who want to ‘stop Boris’ Johnson. She has struck an increasingly Eurosceptic tone. Capable of stirring memories of Margaret Thatcher.
Weaknesses: Opponents say colourful outfits mask a lack of charisma.
GEORGE OSBORNE
Strengths: Recovered from the ‘omnishambles’ 01 budget to become arguably the most substantial figure in Government. He can boast of presiding over an economy that is creating 1,000 jobs a day. Superficially, he has undergone an image makeover – losing two stone and switching to a fashionable haircut.
Weaknesses: Fortunes linked to those of David Cameron. Chances would be better if the contest were after successful EU rene- gotiation in 017. Polls less well among activists than Mrs May and Mr Johnson.
BORIS JOHNSON:
Strengths: Popular with the public, no other Tory could have won the London mayoralty in 008 and 01 . Shed his reputation for gaffes and aides say he is steely and ruthless. Staunch Euroscepticism makes him a darling of the grassroots. Most of all, he is seen as a winner.
Weaknesses: Running London involves none of government’s tough decisions.
DARK HORSES
Sajid Javid (10/1), millionaire son of a Pakistani bus driver, has made an impressive start in Cabinet. Philip Hammond (1 /1) is seen as a shrewd operator and has risen stealthily through the Cabinet ranks.