Inside secret plot to carry Boris Johnson again as Tories do not ‘have hope in hell’ | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Boris Johnson might return to the Conservative Party and doubtlessly to Parliament as part of a secret plot to show round Tory fortunes.

The former Prime Minister, 59, is at present not a serving MP after he resigned from his Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat in June final yr.

However, because the Tories lag behind Labour within the polls and considerations over a wipeout on the subsequent common election loom, there are rumours that Mr Johnson could also be enticed again into the political fold.

The alleged plan might contain Mr Johnson taking the place of a present Tory candidate in an space prone to vote Conservative this yr. It comes as right-wing Reform UK, led by Richard Tice, is surging within the polls.

According to reviews, the constituency of Henley and Thame might be a risk. Mr Johnson served as an MP for Henley between 2001 and 2008 earlier than he turned Mayor of London.

While the constituency’s present MP, John Howell, just lately introduced he was stepping down, the candidate set to run for victory in Henley and Thame is Caroline Newton. Ms Newton beforehand served as assistant director of the Greater London Authority when Mr Johnson was mayor.

Although, there isn’t a assure Ms Newton will withdraw her candidacy to make means for Mr Johnson, the potential for him to make a return to Parliament via a protected seat is taken into account a risk, The Telegraph reviews.

Mr Johnson’s mooted return comes because the Tories fall behind Labour within the polls and present Prime Minister Rishi Sunak continues to see a rebel as an increasing number of serving MPs say they received’t run on the subsequent election. One backbencher mentioned: “There are many in the party who don’t think we have a hope in hell of winning unless Boris comes back.”

Mr Johnson’s potential return has been welcomed by allies of the previous Prime Minister. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg commented: “Boris is the Conservative Party’s most effective campaigner so his support would be a Tory tonic.”

Conservative MP Paul Bristow added: It appears the Prime Minister additionally thinks we should always carry again Boris. He is a good campaigner and galvanising determine for Conservatives. He clearly has a job to play.”

Asked if he would welcome Mr Johnson again into the social gathering, Mr Sunak mentioned: I’m pleased with the work we did collectively. And we labored nicely collectively for a very long time.”

However, Mr Sunak caveated: “In the end there are, you know, well-documented differences…”

While Mr Sunak has alluded to the dissimilarities between himself and Mr Johnson, there are fears he’ll lose help of a number of the voters he must win the following election. Farmers, for instance, have warned they may not vote for the Tories.

Pollsters have warned that Tory help in rural areas is collapsing after the Budget dissatisfied and MPs for these constituencies say their constituents might abandon the Conservatives and vote for various events as an alternative.

Speaking to the Express, Conservative MP Greg Smith mentioned: “It is vital we have a big offer for all rural people, from supporting farmers to ensuring communications ­infrastructure like mobile and broadband works and healthcare provision is easily accessible.

“Rural Britain is the heart of Britain and we must re-earn the trust that only Conservatives truly understand and care for our countryside.”