David Davis tipped as favourite for next Conservative Party leader as Boris Johnson slams claims he’s mounting leadership bid
DAVID Davis has been tipped to become the next Conservative leader, according to allies of Boris Johnson.
The Brexit Secretary - who kicks off official Brexit negotiations today - has been dubbed the favourite to take over top job if PM Theresa May decides to quit the role suddenly.
However suggestions David Davis has become the front runner for the top job could be a tactic to put off rival Boris Johnson.
The Foreign Secretary hit back at accusations he was plotting a leadership challenge after being snapped in a private summit with Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.
Boris Johnson was pictured talking alone on a bench with his Cabinet colleague in the grounds of a Kent country pub.
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The pair were seen at the Bricklayers’ Arms in Chipstead, Kent on Saturday evening, which is in Sir Michael's Sevenoaks constituency.
Pub goers told the Daily Telegraph they had beers inside before heading outside for a 45 minute meeting.
But they refused to be drawn on whether they'd discussed a leadership bid.
A source said: "Boris regularly sees Michael when he is staying at Chevening.
"Michael is the MP for Sevenoaks and lives five minutes from there.
“They had a catch up over a pint as they have done on many occasions.”
It comes as speculation surrounds how long Theresa May can last in the job following her failure to secure a majority in the General Election and her response to the Grenfell Tower blaze.
Tory MPs gave Theresa May a ten day ultimatum to save her job or face a mounting leadership challenge.