Of Boris Johnson dramatically resigns on Downing Street steps after effectively losing his party’s confidence, Mark Francois, chairman of the European Research Group (ERG), has led calls to ensure that his replacement also Brexit till the end. The question links both veteran MPs and 2019 Red Wallers, where voters first backed the Tories on a pledge to “get Brexit done”.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Francois made it clear that the process of getting Brexit done is far from complete, with opportunities of Brexit freedoms still to be realised, in many cases.
The Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford said: “The decision on Boris’ successor rests rightly with our party members, but given the major struggles to achieve Brexit since 2016, I would be very surprised if they chose someone who everyone knows is is still a devotee. Stick to heart.”
Veteran Brexiteer MP Peter Bone, who is dismayed at the way Johnson was removed from office, agreed. The Wellingborough MP said: “Yeah, it definitely has to be a Brexiteer.”
He plans to spend the weekend looking at options before committing to a candidate.
But the pursuit of a Brexiteer is expected to be a boost for Attorney General Suella Braverman’s surprise first contender.
A senior ERG member commented: “She is more than a real Brexiteer, she was one of the Brexit spartans [who held out against Theresa May’s sellout deal with Brussels]†
“She’s definitely someone worth considering.”
Ms Braverman is a former ERG chair and also a Brexit minister who resigned over Ms May’s negotiations.
But other potential contenders who were Brexiteers include Rishi Sunak, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, Commerce Secretary Penny Mordaunt and former Brexit Secretary Steve Baker.
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It would exclude bids from former Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt and Foreign Affairs Selection Committee chairman Tom Tugendhat, both of whom supported Remain in 2016.
One candidate who should convince MPs that she has really changed from a Remainer in 2016 to a Brexiteer now is Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.
But Red Wall MPs made it clear that it is essential to support Brexit and continue to ensure that the opportunities are taken.
Ashfield MP Lee Anderson said: “I am part of the Common Sense Group who will soon be inviting leadership candidates to host events.
“We have a large group of mostly pro-Brexit MPs who have a lot to say about who will be the next leader.
“Being a strong Brexiteer ticks a lot of boxes within our group as we want the next leader to finish the job and take back total control.”
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Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said: “If we are to form a Conservative government in the next election, we must respect the greatest Democratic vote this country has ever seen.
“The next prime minister must first and foremost be a strong and resolute Brexiteer. This will be a red line for the Red Wall.”
Bassetlaw MP Brendan Clarke-Smith added: “I certainly couldn’t support anyone who even hinted at rooting back on one of our Brexit freedoms.”
The rules of the leadership competition will be decided by the 1922 committee on Monday and the first round of voting is expected on Tuesday.
They hope to present the last two to all party members at the start of the summer recess and a new leader can be elected in August or early September.