Boris Johnson’s Dad: ‘Let Farage Save The Tories!’
Stanley Johnson has never been one to pull any political punches, and now Boris’ dad has voiced some controversial views about the way forward for the Conservative Party.
Speaking to GB News, the father of the former PM said that in order to survive another general election, the party must ‘’open their arms’’ to the former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, who is currently whipping up heated political debates between camp-mates on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
‘’The Conservatives have to open their arms to Nigel,’’ said the 83- year-old writer and former MEP.
‘’I think we cannot afford to have a man of that talent not in our camp at the next general election.’’
Mr Johnson Snr. went on to say that the party needs Farage as ‘’part of the troops’’ to ‘’help save us save quite a lot of what we might call the Red Wall’’.
His comments come after a series of foreboding political polls for the Tories which suggest that Labour will topple their 12-year reign by a large majority. According to live polls by Politico, Labour stands at 44% to the Tories’ 25%.
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak’s approval rating has also slumped to a dismal 39%.
Cautious whispers about the former Ukip leader Farage joining the Tories have been circulating in Westminster for a number of months despite the former rivalry between the two parties during Britain 2016 referendum campaign.
After he enjoyed a jubilant welcome at the Conservative Party Conference in the summer, including a very enthusiastic sing-a-long with former Secretary of State, Priti Patel, Rishi Sunak refused to deny Farage a spot in the party.
Former Chancellor, George Osbourne went one step further last months when suggested that it is ‘’not inconceivable’’ that the ‘’pied piper’’ Brexiteer could become leader of the Conservative Party:
“He’s a sort of Pied Piper character and he is leading the Tory party to his merry tune – again. You would have thought they would have learned their lesson,’’ he told Political Currency podcast.
“It’s not inconceivable that if the Conservative party lost the general election, and if Nigel Farage had rejoined as a Tory party member … then he could be a potential future leader of the Conservative party.”
In order to become leader of the party, a candidate needs to first win a seat as an MP and then an internal vote by members. As Ukip leader, Farage attempted to secure his place in parliament but failed three times.
Meanwhile, speaking from the I’m a Celebrity jungle, Farage hinted at a possible stab for the Tory hotspot. When probed by his campmates about the possibility of becoming a future Prime Minister, Farage looked bemused and teased that they should ‘’never say never’’ and that it ‘’depends how much mess the country gets in’’.