Theresa May does not have enough support to successfully resign – sorry Boris Meanwhile, Boris Johnson’s leadership campaign is up and running, quietly courting support from Tory donors

If Boris Johnson fails to become our next prime minister this summer, either because he has choked, once again, or because his parliamentary colleagues in the Conservative Party decide that he has delighted them enough, there must be a vacancy for him in the Moscow State Circus.

Last night this world-famous contortionist performed his finest acrobatics yet.

What was it about the thought of becoming prime minister within weeks that persuaded Mr Johnson to suddenly back a Brexit deal he has described as like “wrapping a suicide vest around the British constitution – and handing the detonator to Michel Barnier”?

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Boris stays true to looking after Boris

As far ago as Monday, he wrote in his weekly column, “We have blinked. We have baulked. We have bottled it completely,” and urged Theresa May to “channel the spirit of Moses in Exodus, and say to Pharaoh in Brussels – LET MY PEOPLE GO.” Does the Daily Telegraph get its money back?

Still, this is a man who remains true to his single principle: looking after Boris Johnson. His leadership campaign is up and running, quietly courting support from Tory donors. Something for us all to look forward to.

Send for Matron. Steve Baker MP requires assistance. The former Brexit minister is an emotional fellow at the best of times – i caught him wiping away tears of joy at the end of Mr Johnson’s Tory conference speech last autumn.

Yesterday, however, he was “consumed with a ferocious rage” and threatened to tear down Parliament: “I could bulldoze it into the river.” Hold on in there Steve. Still a long way to go.

May still faces an uphill battle

As for Theresa May – remember her – she still faces an uphill battle to pass her Brexit deal, despite last night’s promise to defenestrate herself. The DUP insist that they remain resolutely opposed – although they are known to negotiate hard until a minute to midnight.

About 20 ERG hardliners are standing firm. Labour Leavers are peaky, and the Speaker may not allow a third meaningful vote. As things stand, then, the Prime Minister does not have enough support to successfully resign.

Meanwhile, Parliament has failed to agree on any alternative solution to Brexit. You had one job.

Twitter: @olyduff