Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed he is backing Boris Johnson to be the next PM – and called for Tories to unite behind the controversial frontrunner.
It came just weeks after he furiously criticised Johnson for allegedly stating “f*** business” during Brexit negotiations.
Hancock, who himself withdrew from the leadership race on Friday, wrote in The Times: “Boris has run a disciplined campaign and is almost certainly going to be our next prime minister.
“We need to unite behind him with a strong team that can bring the party together and then bring the country together.
“After any debate like this, people need to put aside their differences for a greater purpose.”
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: @MattHancock/Twitter)
As a result of his backing, it seems likely that Hancock will land a senior job in Johnson’s government if he wins, as expected.
Hancock said he intends to hold Johnson to his promise that he will be a “pro business, one nation” Prime Minister.
Johnson did not appear at a televised debate this evening between Tory leadership candidates.
(Image: PA)
Channel 4, which staged the debate, put an empty podium for him.
He was taunted about his absence by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt who said it raised questions about his ability to take on the job of prime minister.
“Where is Boris? If his team won’t allow him out with five fairly friendly colleagues, how is is he going to deal with 27 European countries?” he said.
