While the Labour Party tears itself apart, the Tory party is running round like a headless chicken trying to find a new leader.
Boris Johnson, the celebrity blond and former mayor of London, was always a hot favourite to succeed David Cameron, especially after the virulently Remain Chancellor George Osborne’s hopes were dashed by Brexit.
But this morning, his comrade-in-arms from the EU referendum, Michael Gove, decided to puncture his ascent. It is understood he gave Johnson only a few minutes’ warning that he would stand. And he didn’t hold back when he did, declaring: “Boris cannot provide the leadership”.
The shock tactic worked – hours later, BoJo made the abrupt announcement he would not be running for leader.
Rumours Boris might pull his launch – campaign team say it’s ‘still on’ – they are FURIOUS about Gove
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) June 30, 2016
Gove announced he, too, will run for the top job, to make the country “stronger and fairer”.
Damningly for Boris, he continued: “I have repeatedly said that I do not want to be prime minister. That has always been my view. But events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me.
“I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future.
“But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead.
“I have, therefore, decided to put my name forward for the leadership. I want there to be an open and positive debate about the path the country will now take. Whatever the verdict of that debate I will respect it. In the next few days I will lay out my plan for the United Kingdom which I hope can provide unity and change.”
Johnson made his decision to pull out hours after the Gove upset. His campaign team was said to be livid by the intervention.
The former mayor of London told journalists who had gathered for what they thought was his campaign launch that the “prophets of doom” about Brexit were wrong.
But then the Leave campaigner ruled himself out of the contest for the new PM, saying: “Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances of parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me.”
Known best for his controversial education reforms, Gove has attracted more support in his role at the Ministry of Justice – even if this is mainly for dismantling his predecessor Chris Grayling’s hardline reforms.
His decision to run comes hours after leaked emails suggested he and his wife did not trust Johnson’s assurances on immmigration controls.
But even if Gove has trounced Johnson, he’ll have to push some others aside to get the keys to No 10.
Theresa May, the Home Secretary, turned submarine during the EU referendum – she may have officially signed up for Remain, but she almost completely disappeared from sight. Her repeated calls for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights have warmed the cockles of many a Daily Mail reader’s heart (though she more quietly backtracked on that this morning).
Tory MPs leap to their feet with huge applause when May walks into the room – it’s packed, real buzz
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) June 30, 2016
The blue-on-blue contest could be made more intense by the “blue-collar dream team” of Welsh MP Stephen Crabb, who is running on a ticket with the Business Secretary, Sajid Javid.
And one of the quiet stars of the EU referendum debate, Andrea Leadsom, has just thrown her hat in the ring as well.
Leadsom already cuts a cool figure on the Treasury Select Committee, where staffers have long noted her star qualities.
Liam Fox, a defence hawk and Leave campaigner best known for resigning after questionable dealings with an aide, is also running.
Jeremy Hunt, the controversial Health Secretary, has also said he’s “very interested”.
The candidates at a glance
Theresa May
Political experience: Home Secretary
EU referendum side: Remain
Best known for: Trying to deport Abu Qatada
She says: “Brexit means Brexit. There must be no attempts to remain inside the EU.”
They say: “Migrants: Woman With Guts To Tell The Truth” (Daily Mail)
Michael Gove
Political experience: Education and Justice
EU referendum side: Leave
Best known for: Being hated by teachers
He says: “ I do not want to be Prime Minister. That has always been my view. But events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me.”
They say: “Michael Gove is the politest man in politics and one of the most abrasive, a charmer who cultivates enemies.” (Ian Leslie)
Stephen Crabb
Political experience: Department for Work and Pensions
EU referendum side: Remain
Best known for: Being a working-class Tory
He says: “Nothing was handed to me on a plate”
They say: “Political soulmate” (Ruth Davidson)
Andrea Leadsom
Political experience: Energy and Climate Change and Treasury Select Committee
EU referendum side: Leave
Best known for: Campaiging to quit the EU
She says: “My absolute priority is securing Brexit, in line with the democratic mandate. Huge opportunity for our great country!”
They say: “With her financial background, Andrea lent much-needed weight to some of Brexit’s airier promises.” (Allison Pearson)
Liam Fox
Political experience: Defence
EU referendum side: Leave
Best known for: Resigning over dealings with aide, Adam Werritty
He says: “We’ve just broken free from the European Union into a much wider and greater opportunity.”
They say: “In a less shameless world, Liam Fox’s career would have ended in 2011.” (Jonn Elledge)
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