As many as one third of Theresa May's top team could be replaced by a new cadre of rising star politicians being lined up to sit in a Boris Johnson Cabinet.

MPs are openly speculating about who might be promoted to Mr Johnson's front bench if - as bookmakers expect - he is crowned Prime Minister next month.

Mr Johnson is expected by MPs to take more of a hands-off "chairmanship" role as Prime Minister, handing down authority over policy areas to trusted lieutenants.

That would mimic his stint as mayor of London where key aides such as Sir Eddie Lister, Mr Johnson's deputy in City Hall, and Will Walden, his former chief political adviser who still offers personal advice had huge influence over Mr Johnson.

Brexiteers stress that Mr Johnson has made no known promises to any of his supporters in order to win their support.