Boris Johnson vows to ‘lift the nation’ as he storms ahead of bitter rival Michael Gove in Tory leadership contest

BORIS Johnson vowed to “lift the nation” as he leapt in front of bitter rival Michael Gove as the clear man to beat in the Tory leadership contest.

More than a dozen prominent Tory MPs openly declared their support for the ex-Foreign Secretary in a coordinated plan after he launched his campaign on social media.

4

4

It means with half of the party having declared for a candidate, Mr Johnson so far has 42 MPs on his side – ahead of Mr Gove and Jeremy Hunt, both on 29.

As revealed by The Sun last week, ‘Team Boris’ formally entered the contest today with a video of Mr Johnson talking to voters on the by-election campaign trail on Peterborough.

He promises an ex-Conservative voter he will take Britain out of the EU “deal or no deal” on October 31. He also calls for more money for schools and the police and convinces a non-Tory voter to back him.

Mr Johnson says: “If there was one lesson from the 2016 referendum it’s that too many people felt left behind – that they are not able to take part fully in the opportunities and success of our country.

“That’s why now is the time to unite our society and unite our country … to lift everyone in the country.

“Now is the time to believe in ourselves and what we can do.”

4

4

Powerful Tories including Simon Hart, Julian Lewis and Anne Marie Trevelyan were among those who immediately began tweeting out their support.

Michael Ellis, Transport Minister, said: “He is the only person who could win a General Election deliver Brexit and protect our country from a Jeremy Corbyn government.”

Separately yesterday Culture Secretary became the fourth Cabinet Minister to endorse a candidate as he backed Home Secretary Sajid Javid. Ex-Sports Minister Tracey Crouch confirmed she was backing Matt Hancock.

MPs privately said they were being “swamped” by calls from campaign teams desperate to secure their backing after their preferred candidate drops out.

most read in politics

BRUTAL 'ATTACK' 

Ex-Tory MP's daughter was punched in the face by her husband, court hears

DON IT AGAIN

Trump rings NYSE bell as he celebrates second Time Person of the Year win

HOUSING SHAKE-UP

PM to seize control of building rules to get wannabe-homeowners on ladder

SIR KEIR STARMER

This Government is putting people first by backing Britain's builders

One MP on Monday said: “They know who I’m backing – but want to convince me to switch to them in the second round.”

The show of support for Boris Johnson on Monday put him on 42 declared backers, followed by Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt on 29.

Dominic Raab is fourth on 23 with Sajid Javid fifth on 18.

• GOT a news story? RING us on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]