Arch Eurosceptic Steve Baker on the verge of throwing support behind Boris Johnson
ARCH EUROSCEPTIC Steve Baker is on the verge of throwing his support behind Boris Johnson in a Brexiteer boost for the Tory frontrunner.
The Sun understands the leading Eurosceptic – and self-styled ‘Spartan’ - has decided against running for No.10.
Insiders claim that after meeting with both Mr Johnson and Dominic Raab earlier this week he has decided to back the ex-Foreign Secretary.
The revelation could pave the way for other members of Mr Baker’s European Research Group (ERG) to follow suit – handing Mr Johnson over a dozen backers.
One insider said a number of ERG members are due to “come out for Boris” at the start of next week.
One source said: “Steve is very close.
“He has decided not to stand and there’s a feeling Dominic fluffed his lines in his meeting with the ERG earlier this week.
“I would say he’s as close as he was to backing Theresa May’s deal in March. He was going to the night before.”
The Boris campaign is already backed by leading ERG members including Jacob Rees Mogg, Andrew Bridgen and David Jones.
Rival campaigns expect former party leader Iain Duncan Smith and Owen Paterson to lend their support next week.
Mr Baker – the former Brexit Minister – delivered a Hard Brexit ultimatum to Tory leadership candidates on Wednesday and refused to rule out standing himself.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
Challenged whether he would consider running if the contenders failed to support his plans he replied “you bet”. He added the country required a PM ready to deliver a “death or glory” exit from the EU.
Mr Baker was unavailable for comment.
One ally said: “It comes to down to Boris or Dominic – and Boris has the personality to get this done. And let’s be frank, there hasn’t been much personality in No.10 of late.”
- GOT a news story? RING us on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]