Boris Johnson strikes back against Tory rivals and will unveil ‘army’ of backers on social media
BORIS JOHNSON is bringing forward plans to unveil an “army” of backers after a string of high profile endorsements for his rivals.
The Sun can reveal the Tory leadership favourite’s team hope to go public with a social media campaign launch on Monday after purposefully keeping their powder dry for days.
And sources claim the plan is for a number of Tories to then come out and endorse the ex-Foreign Secretary to cement their man as the one to beat.
One insider said: “There are MPs supporting Boris who’ve been told to wait until Monday to go public. It could be an army.”
They said there was speculation as many as 100 could declare their support – a claim rubbished by one source close to the Boris campaign last night.
But another senior Tory said: “Monday won’t be the official Boris launch but I think there’s a recognition that they now need to do something before Trump’s visit takes over – to get some momentum.”
Mr Johnson has a huge lead in the Tory leadership race among Conservative Party members.
A poll by the Conservative Home website earlier this week put him on 33.5 per cent, ahead of Dominic Raab on 15.5 per cent and Michael Gove in third on 12 per cent.
The initial thought was that Mr Johnson’s campaign team would wait until after the Trump visit next week before making any push.
But widely respected minister Rehman Chishti this week became the third Kent MP to come out for Mr Raab.
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And Home Secretary Sajid Javid has scooped up Ed Argar and David Evenett since declaring his intention to run.
Chris Philp resigned as a Tory party vice chair to support the Home Secretary’s campaign.
Mr Philp said: “I have seen him in action as a highly effective minister. I believe he can unite the country.”
Accuser is cashing in
THE man behind a bid to jail Boris Johnson has spent £53,200 of donors’ funds on himself.
Remainer Marcus Ball launched a crowdfunded campaign for a legal challenge to Brexit.
But now he wants BoJo to face a criminal rap for his referendum claim £350million a week was being sent by Britain to Brussels.
Ball, 29, of, Norwich, has splashed out on a £24,000 salary, a Canary Wharf flat, self-defence classes and two dozen Brexit Justice branded cupcakes.
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