Former Minister of Prisons Ann Widecombe warned that a “stay-minded” prime minister could make “huge concessions” and “undermine” Brexit. The former Strictly Come Dancing superstar told GB News host Dan Wootton that Mr Johnson’s successor had to be a “very committed Brexiteer” or his legacy would be “diluted”.
In response to a question from Mr Wootton whether Brexit will be Mr Johnson’s legacy, the former Maidstone MP replied that it would only be if he were replaced by a Brexit supporter.
She said: “It should be, but a lot depends on what happens next.
“We will get a remnant to replace him – I don’t think the question will be reopened for a minute whether we will rejoin the EU. I don’t think so.
“But any truly lasting prime minister could make huge concessions.
“About Northern Ireland because of some of our economic deals and could undermine Brexit in that way.
“So to secure a lasting legacy for Boris, we really need a real Brexiteer there.
“Not someone you know Shilly Shallies who says ‘I might have stayed maybe leave’.
“We need a very clear, very committed Brexiteer there.
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“But since that day she absolutely accepted the result and after that she did a very good job as secretary of international trade, and did a very good job in concluding free trade agreements around the world.”
Ms Widdecombe replied that although she thought the Secretary of State was competent, she did not have the personality for the top position.
She said: “Liz Truss has been extremely skilled in getting the trade deal, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.
“But I would have very serious doubts about her as prime minister at this point.
“I don’t think she has the power of personality.
“I don’t think she has the charisma. I think she has the competency, but you need a lot more than that to be prime minister.
“So I wouldn’t go for her anyway.”