Conservative leadership election

[Blair]

I’d have agreed about boris but there’s a stupid myth going around Westminster that because he beat Red Ken in 2012 he’s someone the most electable, and has the power to beat back Farage.

Completely ignores the fact he’s the most unpopular choice with the public; but stupid thoughts are hard to kill.

[Blair]

The main takeaway that no-one is talking about is the absolute failure of the egos of the party to stop Johnson getting to the final ballot. Much like the PLP in 2015, the MPs have the sole power to stop someone they think is unfit being PM. If Raab had done a better job, and if Hunt/Javid/Gove/Hancock made a deal, you would have had enough votes to get a tight finish between Johnson/Raab and whoever the 'unity candidate' was.

The only way these sort of games work is if you try and fiddle the final two- but much like in 2016, once someone has such a large first ballot lead, there's really no point trying- because it won't work.

Johnson is going to be in the final round, and most likely win- there's no point in Hancock endorsing Javid. He'll most likely back Johnson in exchange for a 'big' job- most likely Home Secretary or Chancellor, but honest who knows with reshuffles like this