The Work and Pensions secretary Amber Rudd, former Education secretary Nicky Morgan, and Damian Green, have all signed the letter which aims to prevent prominent candidates from the right of the party such as Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab or anyone from the European Research Group (ERG) becoming the next Prime Minister. The new One Nation group of Conservatives, took a swipe at the hardliners by pointing out the need for a “sensible Brexit” it also warned of the dangers of a Jeremy Corbyn government which would “damage our economy”. The letter to business bosses read: “We are calling on you to make your voices heard in a powerful way by joining the Conservative Party.
“In joining our party, you will be making a stand against the high-spending, high-tax and low-aspiration policies of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party that would so badly damage our economy and your businesses.”
It added: “But you will also be able to help directly elect the next prime minister.
“By doing so you can guarantee that we continue to put your values, and the need for a sensible Brexit that benefits small and independent business owners at heart of the party, so you can continue to thrive in a strong economy.”
Prime Minister Theresa May has already promised she will not lead the country into the next phase of negotiations with the EU, but is under severe pressure to stand down before that after failing to get her withdrawal agreement through Parliament.
The six month extension to Article 50 until October 31 means the UK is almost certain to take part in the European Elections in May.
However this has disillusioned many within Mrs May’s party.
A damning survey of 781 Conservative councillors by the Mail On Sunday found 40 percent were planning to back Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party on May 23.
In a further blow to the Prime Minister, it also found only 52 percent said they would vote Tory at the European election if Mrs May was in charge, compared to 65 percent if Theresa May was replaced by Brexiteer Boris Johnson.
Meanwhile according to the Sunday Times, Mrs May will be summoned this week by Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee, who will inform her she no longer has support of the party.
Sir Graham will inform the Prime Minister that 70 percent of Tory MPs now want her to resign.
It is understood 1922 committee is considering tearing up the rules and table a new vote of confidence in Mrs May’s leadership if she does not step aside at the end of June.
One Tory minister said: “She has to go. She is a calamity.”
A senior MP added: “The pressure is building and will be irresistible if we perform badly in the local elections.”
