Johnson endorses Leadsom for Tory leadership
Former mayor of London Boris Johnson has endorsed UK Minister of State for Energy Andrea Leadsom’s bid to lead the country in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.
Johnson made the announcement on Monday, praising Leadsom for being merited with “the zap, the drive, and the determination” necessary to lead as prime minister.
“She has long championed the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. She has a better understanding of finance than almost anyone else in parliament. She has considerable experience of government. She is level-headed, kind, trustworthy, approachable and the possessor of a good sense of humor,” said Johnson.
He added that Leadsom had specialized in answering the “EU question.”
On June 23, nearly 52 percent of British voters chose to leave the bloc in a quest for more economic growth and freedom.
Leadsom’s role in taking Britain out of the EU gave her an ideal position to “help forge a great post-Brexit future for Britain and Europe” and bring back together both the Leave and Remain camps, Johnson said.
The former mayor’s decision to support Leadsom came days after ending his own bid for the top position.
Johnson, the Leave campaign’s main leader who was seen as David Cameron’s favorite replacement, withdrew his candidacy last Thursday, after his close ally Justice Secretary Michael Gove abandoned him to launch his own candidacy.
The strategic move by Johnson, who has earned considerable sympathy since then, is likely to deal a significant blow to Gove’s campaign, as more MPs are now likely to line up behind Leadsom.
Most of Johnson’s grassroots supporters are also expected to follow his lead and back Leadsom in the general election.
Johnson predicted that Leadsom could now win over support from up to 25 additional MPs, which will put her in a very competitive position against Home Secretary Theresa May, who has secured the support of 100 MPs including 10 cabinet members.
Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb and former Tory minister Liam Fox have also set their eyes on the leadership position.
Starting from Tuesday, the five candidates will partake in a series of ballots of the party's 330 MPs. The two candidates with the most votes will then take on each other in another vote with the outcome due on September 9.
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