From Amber Rudd and Boris Johnson to Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt...
Ever since Theresa May stepped into the role of Prime Minister following the divisive 2016 Brexit vote, it has been a turbulent ride.
Two years later and there are accusations of little progress made, with this Brexit appearing to be softer and slower than anyone could have predicted.
But today, after more than 48 letters of complaint sent to Graham Brady, it was announced that Theresa’s days at No.10 could be numbered as Tory MPs have requested a vote of no confidence in their leader.
‘Sir Graham Brady has confirmed that he has received 48 letters from Conservative MPs so there will now be a vote of confidence in my leadership of the Conservative party,’ Theresa May announced this morning. ‘I will contest that vote with everything I’ve got.’
She continued: ‘A change of leadership in the Conservative party now will put our country’s future at risk and create uncertainty when we can least afford it. A new leader wouldn’t be in place by the 21st January legal deadline, so a leadership election risks handing control of the Brexit negotiations to opposition MPs in parliament.’
‘The new leader wouldn’t have time to renegotiate a withdrawal agreement and get the legislation through parliament by 29 March – so one of their first acts would have to be extending or rescinding article 50, delaying – or even stopping – Brexit when people want us to get on with it.’
‘Delivering the Brexit people voted for. Building a country that works for everyone. I have devoted myself unsparingly to these tasks ever since I became prime minister,’ May concluded. ‘And I stand ready to finish the job.’
The vote taking place tonight between 6pm and 8pm will see Tory MPs reveal their trust in their leader, with the result potentially triggering May’s departure, and a new leadership contest.
But who is likely to replace Theresa May as Tory leader and Prime Minister?
These are apparently the most probable candidates…
Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson
Former Foreign Secretary
OG Brexit slant: Leave
REX
Dominic Raab
Former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union
OG Brexit slant: Leave
REX
Sajid Javid
Home Secretary
OG Brexit slant: Remain
REX
Michael Gove
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
OG Brexit slant: Leave
REX
Amber Rudd
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
OG Brexit slant: Remain
REX
Jeremy Hunt
Foreign Secretary
OG Brexit slant: Remain
We’ll have to tune in tonight to see if Theresa May will be keeping her position, with the results expected to be announced an after after the vote.
