Thread by @robdn

If it goes to a ballot of members, it will be the first time a PM is chosen this way. The leader of the opposition, yes, but not a head of government. Fine-tuning of the rules was by 1922 Committee three weeks ago. It has no basis in ancient precedent. theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Only sign Tories are embarrassed by their exorbitant privilege, appointing next prime minister, is the decision to hold televised hustings, parading candidates before a wider public in simulation of accountability. But the debate format exposed the perversity of the whole affair

A new PM is a problem for three reasons:
First, PMs changing hands in a hung parliament.
Second, parliament’s authority sabotaged by an 'experiment' in direct democracy [the Referendum]
Third, the Fixed-term Parliaments Act limits an early election,

The Tory leader contest is properly conducted, to the extent rules are being followed. But it is being held without adequate regard for the wider electorate; and without regard for what is at stake if the winner radiates contempt for the millions who have no say in his election.

We thought it was a fair contest - now the Telegraph reveals Johnson's team is plotting to knock a candidate out of the race to become PM
telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/…

Amber Rudd is right on this - the process is suspect enough without contriving another unfair result for democracy
theguardian.com/politics/2019/…