William Hague backs Jeremy Hunt as Tory leader with blast at Boris Johnson
2 min read
William Hague has backed Jeremy Hunt to be the next Tory leader as he took a swipe at Boris Johnson's pledge to deliver Brexit by 31 October "do or die".
The former party boss said he is "logically and inescapably drawn to vote" for the Foreign Secretary to succeed Theresa May as Prime Minister.
Lord Hague, who led the Conservatives from 1997 until 2001, also warned the party could cease to exist altogether unless they choose the right candidate.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said: "If we collectively get this wrong there will probably be no further time to correct it. The whole idea of a broad, centre-Right party, which has an unbroken history in this country from Robert Peel to Theresa May, is now under threat.
"Serious mistakes in the coming months could be terminal for the world’s most enduring political force."
The Tory grandee said Mr Hunt's previous performance as a Cabinet minister meant he had a "clear advantage" over Mr Johnson.
He said: "All governments can only function properly if the occupant of No 10 masters the machinery of it for themselves. They cannot be aloof from it. Whether the civil servants run down the corridors depends on the 24-hour-a-day grip, focus and drive of the man or woman at the top.
"I hope Boris Johnson can deliver that, but I know for sure that Jeremy Hunt can. I therefore have to lean very heavily towards voting for him."
Taking aim at Mr Johnson's hardline stance on Brexit, Lord Hague meanwhile said: "Boris has demonstrated his strong convictions by saying “do or die” and refusing to rule out the proroguing of Parliament.
"But in doing so, however much I wish him well if he is elected, he has lost my vote, because “do and then die” could very easily be the outcome."
And he added: "Whoever wins will benefit from much improved national finances, although I would advise more caution over raiding them in the campaign.
"Both men have great merits. But asked to weigh who might make the better prime minister, and have the best chance of avoiding calamity over Brexit, I come to a clear conclusion. I will mark my ballot for Jeremy Hunt."
Lord Hague's comments come just days before postal ballots are sent out to Tory members.
But despite the fresh endorsement of Mr Hunt, Mr Johnson remains the clear favourite to be named Conservative leader when the result is announced on 23 Jule.
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