Newark MP Robert Jenrick backs Boris Johnson to be the country's next Prime Minister
Newark MP Robert Jenrick is backing Boris Johnson to be the country’s next Prime Minister.
Mr Jenrick, a Treasury Minister, joined Richmond MP Rishi Sunak and Oliver Dowden, MP for Hetsmere and Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, in saying that the Conservative party is facing an “existential threat” and that Mr Johnson was the “only man who can save us.”
The former foreign secretary and Mayor of London’s optimism and experience were praised by the men, who said they felt his values and the country’s values were one and the same and “a platform to inspire the country and revitalise our party.”
The three MPs stated: “Our country doesn’t have time for a new leader to earn the the public’s trust on Brexit. Boris commands the instant credibility needed to achieve support for a renegotiated deal among a suspicious public, let down by delays and defeats.
“We do not want ‘no deal’, but he is right to fully prepare for it and keep it on the table.”
Mr Johnson is one of 11 confirmed runners in the Conservative leadership race to replace Theresa May when she steps down as Prime Minster tomorrow, and is currently going head-to-head with candidates including Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Environment Secretary Michael Gove and current Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Mr Jenrick, Mr Sunak and Mr Dowden agreed that while they all came from different backgrounds, and while they voted both Remain and Leave (Mr Jenrick voted remain), Mr Johnson was the only candidate who could face the threats to the nation and the party itself.
“Boris is a proven winner and leader with a record of achievement,” they said.
“Twice in London and in the referendum, he defied all the odds and won when nobody else could have. As Mayor, he got down to business, governed well and delivered what he promised.”
“We need a leader who can engage everywhere, energetically advocate our cause and win people over.
“No Conservative is better placed to do this than Boris Johnson. He will take the fight to our opponents — Farage and Corbyn — and we will win.”
The three MPs also praised Mr Johnson’s optimism and said it was hoped he could help recapture a sense of excitement and hope about what the Conservatives could do for Britain.
