Sacked Williamson openly backs Johnson

GAVIN Williamson has publicly backed Boris Johnson to take over as Prime Minister.

The former defence secretary, sacked by Mrs May last month, claimed Mr Johnson was the ‘the only person who can deliver Brexit and defeat Labour’.

His endorsement came after the Daily Mail revealed that he was playing an active role in bringing MPs into the Boris camp.

Mr Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, told local newspaper the Express and Star: ‘I think he’s the best candidate. He’s the one who can deliver change for both the Conservative Party and the country.’ Mr Williamson was fired by Mrs May when she accused him of leaking details of discussions about China from the National Security Council – allegations he furiously denied.

Mr Johnson last week revealed his plan to stand, telling an insurance brokers’ conference: ‘Of course I’m going to go for it.’

Michael Gove’s leadership campaign manager Mel Stride was yesterday promoted to the Cabinet to replace Andrea Leadsom, who quit as Commons Leader on Wednesday. Mr Stride had been Financial Secretary to the Treasury.