Boris Johnson ‘may quit’ Cabinet if Theresa May does not promise extra £100million a week for NHS
The Foreign Secretary may soon step down after receiving a mauling from No10 over his request for more cash for the health service post-Brexit
SUSPICIONS are mounting that Boris Johnson is preparing to quit the Cabinet over Brexit after a row about his demand for more NHS cash.
The Foreign Secretary revealed in advance of yesterday’s meeting of Theresa May’s top table he would insist on £100million a week more for the health service after Britain leaves the EU.
The commitment would fulfil his infamous referendum pledge, which pals say he “gets very emotional about”.
But the stand backfired and Boris was dealt an extraordinary mauling at No10, leaving him looking isolated last night.
Eight Cabinet ministers turned on him and one source revealed: “He got a proper bitch-slapping.”
BoJo’s serious public challenge to the PM’s authority sparked torrid Westminster speculation that he is planning to one day resign and challenge her for the Tory crown by fighting for a cleaner break from the EU.
One senior minister asked: “Is Boris preparing to flounce out of the Cabinet?” But allies of his last night described the resignation talk as “nonsense”.
His Cabinet mauling, orchestrated by Mrs May, began with loyalist International Trade Secretary Liam Fox telling him he was wrong to have aired internal disputes so publicly.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd argued it was important Cabinet members were able to trust each other, adding: “I’m talking to you, Foreign Secretary.”
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling backed his idea in principle but blasted him for bringing it up at the wrong time.
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Only close ally Environment Secretary Michael Gove offered any substantial support but others dubbed it as “lukewarm”.
Boris was only called to talk at the end and then failed to bring up a specific figure for the NHS, leading to claims he bottled it.
Later yesterday, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt also distanced himself from Boris’s demand.
Quizzed during a committee hearing on where the extra £100million a week would come from, Mr Hunt said: “You have to ask the Foreign Secretary.”