Brexit Minister James Cleverly becomes 11th MP to enter Tory leadership ‘circus’
BREXIT MINISTER James Cleverly last night become the ELEVENTH Tory to declare for the leadership race.
The former Tory deputy chair vowed to offer “something different and something new."
And he hit out at those offering “artificially simple” solutions on leaving the EU.
It came as senior Tories warned they feared the Brexit deadlock will drown out all other policy issues in the leadership contest.
“It’s going to eat them alive,” one told The Sun.
Revealing his decision in his local Essex newspaper, the Braintree MP highlighted the fact he has backed Brexit from the start.
To inspire the British people we need to look different, sound different and offer something new.
James Cleverly, MP
And he says: “I have never been blind to the complexities of the process and I have always been uncomfortable with those who offer artificially simple solutions.”
He adds the party has to come back together – as the Tories cannot lead the country if it is “led from its fringes.”
Making the case for change, he says: “To inspire the British people we need to look different, sound different and offer something new.
“I believe I can do that.”
James Cleverly’s declaration comes 24 hours after Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Housing Minister Kit Malthouse threw their hats into the ring.
Like Mr Malthouse, the Brexit Minister is part of the ‘2015 intake’ elected to the Commons four years ago. A website campaign backing Mr Cleverly with the slogan “Let’s All Win” has been live for days.
Treasury Minister Jesse Norman is “considering” whether to stand.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
And sources last night claimed former Brexit Minister and arch Eurosceptic Steve Baker is expected to announce tomorrow he is NOT standing.
He will call on Brexit-backing candidates to unite behind one contender.
One MP lamented: “It’s becoming a circus.”
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]