BY GABRIEL PRINCEWILL
Boris Johnson has backed out of the Conservative leadership race. His announcement came in the last hour for the submission of nominees deadline.
The former Mayor and bookies favorite for the Pm’s job, told a press conference just before midday today that the next Tory leader would have to unite the party and country.
The UK’s Brexit vote was a chance for the country’s next leader to “restore Britain’s standing as an Independent Sovereign, and our moment to stand tall in the world”.
He then delivered what he termed ” the punchline of the speech” by saying: having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that person can’t be me”.
Audible gasps reverberated through out the length and breadth of the room, as the inclusion of four new contenders were added to the list.
Mr Gove, Home Secretary, Theresa May, former defence secretary, Liam Fox, Work and pensions Secretary, Stephen Crabbing, and Andrea Leadsome, were
all formalized as leadership contenders.
FRAGILE
Revelation about a fragile political relationship between Gove and Johnson, had been exposed in an email from Gove’s wife, Sarah Vine. The journalist warned her husband about the risks of backing the former London Mayor without “specific assurances” about his role in any Johnson led cabinet. In other words, she did not trust Johnson would look after her husband.
Signs that Vine’s words resonated with her husband, were affirmed when Gove himself said “Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead”.
CUT THROAT
That was a cut throat comment, symptomatic of spite more than substance. Even if Gove is right, it was unnecessary for it to come from Gove. Johnson’s withdrawal itself speaks enough volumes, without need for condescending remarks like that. Especially, as he previously supported Gove.
BERATED
Johnson was also berated by Theresa May, who said ” the last time he did a deal with the Germans, he came back with three nearly new water cannon”.
Sounds like alot of vindictiveness in the party needs rooting out. It suffices that the former Mayor of London doesn’t feel he could have United the party. However, if he felt up to the Pm job, he could have collaborated with Gove in achieving that.
This was perhaps what Gove’s wife was talking about. First round of voting takes place next Tuesday, with eliminations at each stage eventually culminating in the election of a party leader in September.
