Although the Prime Minister’s position is fragile, there is no sense of a contest in the offing any time soon.
Allowing everything to be dominated by questions of personalities undermines essential thinking about matters of policy.
New polling also reveals that neither is so far ahead as to be unstoppable, however.
Johnson has topped an ESRC poll, as he did our last survey. Its findings are even better for Brexiteers than ours were.
There are three contenders in double figures, one well ahead of the other two – and a very long tail of names in single figures,
Plus: Bad Tory language. Cutting VAT, Good Conservative news for workers. And: a second referendum – not a People’s Vote but a Cheater’s Vote.
“I’m not interested in being an irreconcilable…the leadership question is settled.” Rees-Mogg accepts defeat – but reserves the right to differ over policy.
A guarantee of a legally binding change to the backstop, and a more vague promise not to go on and on as leader, both present challenges.
The challenge is on – and has been rushed forward in timing that helps May. None the less, a simple majority for her might not be enough.
A new leader will be a surer means of delivering Brexit if she can’t extract last-minute backstop concessions.
And: For May, there should be no way back from losing. My Tory leadership straw poll. Cox, a man of substance and integrity. Plus, Tower of Power extra: Dick for Iain.
It may be that the former Foreign Secretary has become a kind of comfort blanket in bewilderingly unpredictable times.
Which may or may not cast light on why the Chairman of the 1922 Committee must make enquiries about correspondence in his possession.
That’s the single fact that stands out from the “low tragedy, high farce” of resignations, splits, divisions, principles and ambitions consuming British and Brexit politics.
He says that he won’t stand in an election. But will the ERG succeed in drumming up 48 letters?
New polling also reveals that neither is so far ahead as to be unstoppable, however.