Boris Johnson Returns to UK to Plot Bid for PM Return

Strategic Insights -

Boris Johnson has returned to the UK, sparking divided opinion among Conservative MPs, as he plots a bid to return as Prime Minister. Despite his former allies turning against him, Johnson has secured the support of six Cabinet ministers and at least 50 MPs. His campaign has suffered a blow, however, with former close allies Steve Barclay and Lord Frost urging colleagues to back Rishi Sunak instead. As the party leadership vote approaches, analysts warn of greater market risks from a Johnson government.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boris Johnson has returned to the UK to plot a bid for PM return, sparking divided opinion among Conservative MPs.
  • He has secured the support of six Cabinet ministers and at least 50 MPs, but his campaign suffered a blow with former close allies Steve Barclay and Lord Frost urging colleagues to back Rishi Sunak.
  • Johnson's allies believe he still has support among the party's membership, who were upset by his departure from Downing Street.
  • Former home secretary Priti Patel has backed Johnson, but his former deputy PM and foreign secretary Dominic Raab has urged him to consider the partygate investigation.
  • Rishi Sunak has around 87 public declarations, far ahead of Johnson's 50, in the race for the Conservative Party leadership.
  • Tory MPs will vote on Monday, and two candidates will be put forward to the Tory membership unless one pulls out, with a result being announced on Friday.

Statistics:

  • 7,000 users tracked the flight on FlightRadar24
  • The flight landed 47 minutes behind schedule
  • Boris Johnson has secured the support of 6 Cabinet ministers (Ben Wallace, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Simon Clarke, Chris Heaton-Harris, Alok Sharma, and Anne-Marie Trevelyan)
  • 50 MPs have publicly declared support for Johnson
  • 87 public declarations for Sunak, compared to Johnson's 50
  • 18 public declarations for Penny Mordaunt
  • Candidates have until 2pm on Monday to secure the 100 nominations, limiting the ballot to a maximum of three candidates

Sources:

  • Sky News
  • PA News Agency
  • BBC Radio 4's Today programme
  • BBC Breakfast
  • Berenberg Bank
  • FT (Financial Times)
  • Gareth Fuller/PA Wire