David Davis and Boris Johnson favourites to take over from Theresa May, but supporters keener on a fresh face like Jacob Rees-Mogg
DAVID DAVIS and Boris Johnson are the two top favourites to take over from Theresa May as Tory leader – but supporters back someone not in the Cabinet such as Jacob Rees Mogg.
A new survey from the ConservativeHome website shows most party members want to skip a generation and have a fresh face in charge next.
Brexit Secretary David Davis is backed by almost one in five of those who took part in the survey, followed by Boris Johnson with the support of one in ten.
Non-cabinet minister Justice Minister Dominic Rabb comes in third with 7.6 per cent, followed by Philip Hammond on 5 per cent and then Priti Patel.
But a whopping 34 per cent of people picked someone not on the list.
If Jacob Rees-Mogg had been included, he would have come SECOND to David Davis, but the website didn’t put him as an option as he’s already ruled himself out for the top job.
His recent online success has seen him gain a group of loyal followers – one of whom even got a tattoo on his chest to show his dedication.
Moggmentum fans have also begun fundraising for the Somerset MP who has just become a dad for the sixth time – but he has said being Prime Minister is not on his radar.
Those who selected ‘other’ as their choice said they needed a “moderniser” with a “new face” – and maybe they should “skip a generation”.
Theresa May came into parliament in 1997, but members say the next Tory leader should be “someone from the 2010/2015 intake” or should be “under 50”.
Editor of the website Paul Goodman “Tory members have had enough, at least for the moment, of their present leadership.
“The failure of Mrs May to win a majority at the general election seems to be dragging down not only her own standing within the party but that of the entire Tory leadership team: Boris Johnson, Philip Hammond, Amber Rudd and, up to a point, Mr Davis himself.”
He also claims that the Corbyn factor which led so many young people to vote Labour in June means there is a hunger among Tory members to find a young, fresh face to combat him and draw in the youth.
The news comes after a popularity survey from the same website yesterday showed the Chancellor’s position has plummeted in recent weeks – since his push for a softer Brexit.
Brexit Secretary David Davis led the Cabinet pack with a +72.5 rating, followed by Michael Fallon and Michael Gove – who have the backing of well over half of members.