THREE quarters of Tory members want to leave the EU without a deal, a new survey has revealed, in a further indication a hardline Brexiteer such as Boris Johnson is their preferred successor to Theresa May.
The poll found that 75% of the Conservatives rank and file membership in the UK support a no deal, while 70% back a so-called “managed no deal” which its supporters argue would allow the Government to mitigate the worst impacts of such an exit.
The survey, published yesterday on the Conservative Home website, found little support among its members’ panel for a soft Brexit with just 12% backing an option such as Common Market 2.0 suggested by former Tory minister Nick Boles in the indicative votes process.
There was more support for the soft Brexit option suggested by another former Tory minister, George Eustice, with 24% backing his EEA/EFTA option.
Meanwhile a separate ranking of possible candidates to succeed May put ex-foreign secretary Johnson as favourite, with 22% backing him for Tory leader and PM, down from 24% since the start of the year. Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab was ranked second with support rising from 12% to 18%. Environment Secretary Michael Gove was placed third with backing increasing from 9% to 15%.
The Scottish Conservatives have made no secret of their opposition to Johnson succeeding May.
Over the weekend one senior insider told the Sunday National that they could split from the UK Tories and become a separate party if he took over. They believe his brand of Conservatism would damage their party’s electoral chances north of the Border. In a further twist, one Scottish Tory MP told the Herald that Johnson becoming PM would “gift-wrap independence for Nicola Sturgeon”.
Speculation has emerged about who will take over from May after her announcement last week she will step down if her Brexit deal is passed in the Commons. Under Conservative Party rules, MPs vote on candidates over several rounds, until candidates are whittled down to the final two, who are put to a vote by the membership.
Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader, has clashed with Johnson and called for a “period of silence” from Tory colleagues after Johnson branded the PM’s Brexit plan “deranged”.
Last October, Scottish Conservatives, concerned about the prospect of Johnson entering Number 10, announced the establishment of “Operation Arse,” a campaign to stop him becoming PM if he launched an official bid.
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