I’m somewhat alarmed that Johnson (I refuse to refer to him by first name), is a runaway favourite. I’m still not convinced. My only conclusion that he gets the backing is because he basically won’t do his job, will spend most of his time swanning about doing PR and any other self-serving narcissistic activities. Meanwhile, the leg work will be done without him by all other MPs will continue to play tug of war thus carving a road to a second ref.

On a side note, is Johnson really a Brexiter?

He's a Quitter for as long as it helps him get to be PM. If he gets the job his focus will switch to keeping it. If that means abandoning this whole nonsense and revoking Article 50, that's what he will do.

There was also the business of him apparently writing two different articles about his decision on the EU Referendum - one where he sets out his intention to campaign for Leave, and one for Remain, and in the end he plumped for Leave. I think his "Remain" article did leak out a few years back.

There was an article today about his lack of moral and political compass, and quite surprisingly it was in The Spectator, particularly when you remember who its editor was from 1999-2005.

Just not Gove please for leadership.

You'd prefer even Boris??

A Comres poll asked how people would vote if Boris was PM and Corbyn still led Labour. Interesting. An overall majority of 140 for Boris.

Con: 37%
Lab: 22%
Lib Dems: 20%
Brexit: 14%

That is so out of kilter with other polls that it has to be taken with a whole mine of salt.

He's obviously their best chance of winning the next election and they know that.

Someone was wondering on DS today if they may all withdraw to give it to Boris without a membership vote like in 2016 if he has a large first vote from MP's. I'd wondered that too.

There was also the business of him apparently writing two different articles about his decision on the EU Referendum - one where he sets out his intention to campaign for Leave, and one for Remain, and in the end he plumped for Leave. I think his "Remain" article did leak out a few years back.

There was an article today about his lack of moral and political compass, and quite surprisingly it was in The Spectator, particularly when you remember who its editor was from 1999-2005.

Result of first round of MP's voting expected about 1pm tomorrow.

Further evidence of the calibre of leadership candidates...

Ester McVey defended her aim to cut spending on overseas aid by claiming that money was mis-spent. When asked for an example she cited an airport where the runway was built in the wrong direction, facing the wind. She was asked where this airport was and replied "It's in... one of the continents,,, abroad".

Alan Duncan (a Tory MP) believes she is referring to an airport in St Helena. This is a UK Overseas Territory and, therefore, our responsibility. The spending does not count as overseas aid. As for the direction of the runway, there is nothing wrong with it. It is built, as with all runways, to avoid cross-winds most of the time.

He's obviously their best chance of winning the next election and they know that.

Someone was wondering on DS today if they may all withdraw to give it to Boris without a membership vote like in 2016 if he has a large first vote from MP's. I'd wondered that too.

Michael Gove: 37

Matt Hancock: 20

Mark Harper: 10

Jeremy Hunt: 43

Sajid Javid: 23

Boris Johnson: 114

Andrea Leadsom: 11

Esther McVey: 9

Dominic Raab: 27

Rory Stewart: 19