More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Boris Johnson has failed to secure the backing of any of the county’s MPs in the Conservative leadership contest, according to those who have already declared their intention.
And one MP who had backed him at the last leadership contest has switched support to another candidate.
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson says he now wants Dominic Raab to succeed Theresa May as he believes he is best placed to unite the party.
Mr Raab, who is seen as a firm Brexiteer and was Brexit minister until he quit over Theresa May’s deal, has also been backed by Gillingham MP Rehman Chishti and Maidstone and Weald MP Helen Grant.
But there is no clear winner in our survey, with MPs backing a spread of the 12 candidates - so far - vying for the top job and the keys to Downing Street.
Boris Johnson’s lack of support among Kent MPs contrasts with the backing he got in a poll of Kent Online readers.
He emerged as the clear favourite - underlining his popularity with voters and party activists.
Close to half of those taking part in our poll wanted the former foreign secretary installed at Downing Street.
But under the rules governing the Conservative leadership contest, it is MPs who decide which two candidates are shortlisted and take part in a run-off.
Here’s what we know so far about the intention of your MPs:
Damian Green (Ashford)
Backing: Matt Hancock, currently Secretary of State for Health
Why: “It is becoming important for the Conservative party which is doing so badly with young people to have someone who speaks the language of those that grew up in the digital world and who is evidently on top of technology and how it is important to real lives.”
Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford)
Backing: Matt Hancock
Why: “Brexit is not the only issue at stake in this leadership contest. We need a leader for the next decade, not just the three months between the winner being announced and the end of October when we’ve committed to leave.”
Helen Grant (Maidstone)
Backing: Dominic Raab, former Brexit minister.
Why: "Dominic Raab has an inspiring vision for a fairer Britain and I think he is the best person to unite the party and the country. Dominic believes everyone should get a fair shot in life and the opportunity to make the best of their talents, which is something I am passionate about.”
Gareth Johnson (Dartford)
Backing: Dominic Raab
Why: “He has the ability to unite leavers and remainers and has the intelligence to do the job. It is a difficult time for us and we need someone with those abilities."
Rehman Chishti (Gillingham)
Backing: Dominic Raab
Why: “I have known him since we entered Parliament and sat on Joint Committee on Human Rights and having worked with him on Foreign Affairs he has the skill set to deliver on Brexit and a vision for a fairer society.”
Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge and Malling)
Backing: Michael Gove (provisionally)
Why: “I’m minded to support somebody who has demonstrated huge capability in various departments; who has demonstrated the intelligence and ingenuity to overcome many challenges. That’s why I am more minded towards Michael Gove.”
Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey)
Backing: Undeclared
Why: Waiting to see what constituents say about who they want
Craig Mackinlay (South Thanet)
Backing: Undeclared
Why: Says he will consider each candidate on basis of their “Stand Up For Brexit” credentials - “no ifs, no buts, no compromise.”
Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet)
Backing: Jeremy Hunt
Why: “He is decent, he is sound, he is a healer and he stands as good a chance as anybody given the poisoned chalice it is of delivering on Brexit.”
Helen Whately (Faversham and Mid Kent)
Says that as vice chairman of the Conservative party she won’t be publicly endorsing any of the candidates.
Undeclared or not publicly said:
Adam Holloway (Gravesham)
Kelly Tolhurst (Rochester and Strood)
Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells)
Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks)
Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe)
