Leaked Tory dossier reveals secret plan to replace Theresa May in April and ranks her possible successors
An explosive internal memo suggesting Theresa May will be forced to “stand down soon after March 2019” and detailing the pros and cons of her potential successors has been leaked to The Telegraph.
The excruciating dossier is being widely circulated among Tory MPs analysing the leadership prospects of her cabinet colleagues and other contenders including leading Brexiteers Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
It emerged as Mrs May is desperately trying to sell her widely criticised Chequers plan to EU leaders in Salzburg on Wednesday evening.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/20 ... eresa-may/
Full list:
Assumption
The 1922 will invite the PM to stand down soon(ish) after March 2019. Conclusion: manoeuver immediately.
Candidates in Cabinet
David Davis - claims not to be interested, but is. Won't succeed. Too late.
Liam Fox - will repeat 2016 strategy to try to protect frontline career. Fading.
Michael Gove - has consistently made noises suggesting he remains on manoeuvres - future Chancellor?
Philip Hammond - thinks he has a chance. Not a hope, but will want to remain at the Treasury.
Matt Hancock - super ambitious, hawkish on Syria with an eye on the Party in the country.
Damien Hinds - a Remainer, but reported as a threat by Williamson allies. No profile.
Jeremy Hunt - dark horse, near the front of the pack coming up on the rail (note John Major 1990).
Sajid Javid - wants it, trying to recover from Referendum positioning error.
Boris Johnson - bookies favourite after JR-M, but the front-runner never wins.
Andrea Leadsom - intends to correct her errors in 2016 leadership race but totally unsuitable.
David Liddington - a Remainer, but not incredible. Would be deselected early.
Penny Mordaunt - insufficient authority and profile in the near-term.
Amber Rudd - credible, notwithstanding Windrush but a Remainer; very small majority (346). Has hired CT.
Liz Truss - on manoeuvres, probably replicating Fox's strategy.
Gavin Williamson - in full campaign mode, but very reliant on PM controlling her own departure point.
Candidates Ex-Cabinet
Justine Greening - still ambitious. No caucus of support.
Nicky Morgan - aggressive Remainer. Only hope is to block Brexit. Unpopular.
Priti Patel - definitely on manoeuvres. Issues of judgement?
Owen Patterson - not given up. Bitter. Too late.
Candidate 'Over the Water'
Ruth Davidson - saved the day in 2017, but not in the Commons.
Junior Ministers
Tobias Ellwood - very popular Remainer and highly respected. On an upward curve.
Dominic Raab - discreet ERG support. Might very well succeed. Adroit talking head.
Rory Stewart - acquired taste. Might bid but won't succeed this time round.
Tom Tughenhadt - being talked-up. Too early.
Robin Walker - no profile.
Candidates Not in the Government
Jacob Rees-Mogg - the Party's favourite. Unlikely to succeed to the last two.
Johnny Mercer - high profile. Lack of experience very obvious.
