Sunday Mirror

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Insiders say she is biggest threat

- BY KEIR MUDIE Deputy Political Editor

THE biggest threat to new Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s premiershi­p is Theresa May, say Westminste­r insiders.

The former PM is poised to take her place on the backbenche­s when Parliament returns – and many believe she will “do a Thatcher” by running things from behind the scenes.

Insiders say that with a slim majority, Mr Johnson will struggle to get legislatio­n through.

And with Brexit looming, Mrs May’s influence on the backbenche­s will be crucial.

Mr Johnson killed off her deal this week and said the UK was prepared to leave without one.

And, in a move that infuriated her inner circle, he pressed for the backstop to be scrapped. Sources say she is making plans to set traps for the new leader. Her first step was consolidat­ing her power base.

Hours after leaving Downing Street, she watched England’s cricketers with two of her since-sacked ministers, David Gauke and Greg Clark, and ex-chief of staff Gavin Barwell.

Earlier, Mrs May was spotted wearing a gold pebble bracelet that bore a striking resemblanc­e to one that belonged to Mrs Thatcher.

This prompted speculatio­n she had been the secret bidder at an auction in May. One Whitehall source said: “May might have bought Thatcher’s bracelet but she also plans to copy what she did when she stood down.

“She’s going to bring together all her former Cabinet ministers. She’ll plot and give them orders.

“They threaten a guerilla war against Boris. She’s angry and will get even.”

As she left No10 Mrs May said she hoped for a Brexit “that works for the whole United Kingdom” – a remark

seen as a message to

 ??  ?? VISIT Yesterday out in Stretford SPEECH Boris Johnson in Manchester yesterday
VISIT Yesterday out in Stretford SPEECH Boris Johnson in Manchester yesterday
 ??  ?? INFLUENCE May will have power on the backbenche­s
INFLUENCE May will have power on the backbenche­s

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