The Environment Secretary also declares that he is the candidate with vision for the future and the “fire and passion to take on Corbyn.”
His announcement on EU nationals – crafted to appeal to liberal Leavers, Remainers and Softer Brexiteers – has perfect pitch in terms of the coalition he is trying to build.
The present election will turn on whether MPs and activists put national popularity before ideological soundness.
From: Hunt, Javid, Gove, Hancock, Stewart, Truss, Rudd, Johnson, Leadsom, Raab, Harper and Baker.
It is not the resignation which Tory backbenchers were keenest to see, but it makes the end of May’s prime ministership even more certain.
Is the party about protecting British industry, prioritising the environment, or unleashing the free market? The leadership contest must answer the question.
Most of the sound and furore about making it happen is all about means, but there has been virtually no debate about the ends.
The Conservatives need a leader who is ready to unite the party, ready to deliver a better Brexit deal, and ready to lead us out of the European Union.