I worked closely with Prime Minister @BorisJohnson over the last five years. Without his leadership in 2019-20, we would simply not have succeeded in getting out of the EU or getting a free trade agreement. I hugely admire his determination in those difficult days. (1)
But the task now is to make a success of Brexit with our new-found freedoms. I said when I left the Cabinet a few months ago that I had "concerns about the current direction of travel". I still do and if anything they have been reinforced in recent months. (2)
Tonight shows the PM does not have the confidence of over 40% of the Parliamentary party. He must see that reflects widespread disenchantment among members & voters, yes about partygate, but more about policies such as the high-cost energy programme & the tax increases. (3)
If the PM is to save his premiership and his government he should now take a different course - bring taxes down straightaway to tackle the cost of living crisis, take on public service reform, and establish an affordable and reliable energy policy for the long term. (4)
I hope the PM will now head rapidly down this path and refresh the government to achieve it. If he does, I believe he can and will re-establish a sense of direction & restore confidence among the party and our present and future voters - and thereby protect Brexit too.(5)
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