Boris Johnson Says There Are 'Many Candidates' To Succeed David Cameron As Tory Leader
There Are 'Many Candidates' To Succeed David Cameron, Says Boris
Ned Simons— The Huffington Post UK
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Boris Johnson has said there are "many candidates" within the Conservative Party who could succeed David Cameron as leader, after the prime minister surprised Westminster by declaring he would not serve a third term.
In the interview with the BBC on Monday evening, Cameron also name-checked Theresa May, George Osborne and the London mayor as three people who could take over at the top of the party.
It was seen as likely that Cameron would step down as leader at some point in the next parliament, however the public confirmation of the plan caught most by surprise.
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James Lansdale interviewing David Cameron
Asked whether he wanted to be Tory leader, Boris told LBC this morning that he thought Cameron's comments were "banal and obvious".
"There are many candidates out there," he said. "I felt very pleased that the prime minister was going to go on for five years."
"I don't think the prime minister has said anything new. I don't want to sound dementedly conceited about this but I think he has said stuff like that before." He added: "This is a subject on which fills me with the greatest tedium. There is no vacancy."
In the BBC interview, Cameron said: "But I think after that it will be time for new leadership. Terms are like Shredded Wheat - two are wonderful but three might just be too many."
Appearing on LBC today, Boris resisted pressure from host Nick Ferrari to try and eat three large Shredded Wheat.
The London mayor insisted that Cameron's remarks were "humble" as he rejected the claim that the Prime Minister was being "arrogant or presumptuous".
"He was asked a question about a third term, he is fighting flat out - as we all are - to win a second term. That is absolutely vital. We have a long-term economic plan for the economy and for the country and it's only by getting David Cameron back into government that we will deliver it.
"So to say he is arrogant or presumptuous to rule out a third term seems to be totally bizarre. He is actually being rather humble and rather straightforward and telling it like it is."
Tory Leadership Race
Boris Johnson(01 of07)
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Current position: Mayor of London, Candidate for Uxbridge and South RuislipRides: "Bumbling Oratory" Odds to win: 5/2 favouriteFor: Boris is rarer thing than a Sugarbush Draft Horse, he's a "popular Tory". An opinion poll last October outed him as the people's choice to replace Cameron. Part of the trio named by Cameron as his possible successors.Unfortunately, it's not up to the people...Against: Critics argue he is style over substance, and have real concerns his premiership would be characterised by gaffes and back-pedalling. (credit:PA/Composite)
Theresa May(02 of07)
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Current position: Home SecretaryRides: "Beyond The Borders"Odds to win: 4/1For: Politically, May is a shrewd and successful operator who has done a credible job as home secretary, a role that has tripped up many previous politicians. The first female chair of the Conservative Party. Also part of the trio named by Cameron as his possible successors.Against: A Tory minister recently described May as "100% charmless" and the only benefit that her appointment as leader would bring would be "net migration". She would be 63 by the time of the 2020 general election - the only woman, but also the oldest of the three frontrunners. (credit:PA/Composite)
George Osborne(03 of07)
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Current position: Chancellor Rides: "Red Box Makeover"Odds to win: 7/1For: Osborne has seen a turnaround in fortunes after stumbling at a few early budget hurdles. Last budget generally seen as a resounding success and management of the economy has arguably put Britain ahead of Europe in the recovery. Has had a personal makeover including his new close-cropped haircut dubbed 'The Osborne'. Also part of the trio named by Cameron as his possible successors.Against: His privileged background is well-known, and his membership of the Bullingdon Club - an Oxford dining society for the very rich, of which Cameron was also a member - particularly riles those who believe he does not have the common touch. He is considered a political heavyweight, but being a good chancellor does not necessarily translate to being a good party leader and prime minister, as recent history has shown
Sajid Javid(04 of07)
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Current position: Culture SecretaryRides: "Rising Star"Odds to win: 10/1For: Javid, the son of Pakistani immigrants, is the first of the Tory MPs elected in 2010 to become a cabinet minister.Against: Close to George Osborne, he may choose to give the Chancellor a clear path at the leadership.
Philip Hammond(05 of07)
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Current position: Defence SecretaryRides: "Stripped Down Defender"Odds to win: 10/1For: Erm...Against: Recently received a "slapping down" from Danny Alexander for publicly complaining about defence cuts.Also, he's possibly the most "beige" of all the prospective candidates. (credit:PA/Composite)
Liam Fox(06 of07)
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Current position:Rides: "Spend Wisely"Odds to win: 33/1For: Dr Fox has become the unofficial spokesman for those Tories disaffected with the current leadership with a number of public statements criticising their direction on austerity.Against: Is it really a good move to appoint someone who was forced to resign from his job as defence minister for allowing a close friend improper access to the highest level of government affairs?Additionaly, Fox recently said: "I think there is no chance of us having a leadership election in the Conservative Party before the election, I think that would be madness." (credit:PA/Composite)
Michael Gove(07 of07)
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Current position: Tory Chief WhipRides: "Baccalaureate Backtrack" Odds to win: 100/1For: Gove is highly regarded within the Tory party as charming, polite and capable.Against: He has taken a bruising both from the public and other Tories for some of his proposals in his former job as Secretary of State for Education. (credit:PA/Composite)