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Brexit live: Tory MPs begin voting to choose new leader – and prime minister Brexit live: Tory MPs begin voting to choose new leader – and prime minister
(35 minutes later)
7.47am BST
07:47
If you had to pick one of the Tory leadership contenders to describe as a “warrior for the dispossessed”, who would it be?
For Nicky Morgan, writing in the Telegraph this morning, it’s her predecessor as education secretary, Michael Gove. And so he ought to be the prime minister, she says:
It needs someone who will stand up for what’s right and not hide from big decisions. Someone with the ideas, passion and energy to get the job done. Someone who, through courageous and long overdue education reforms (which I’ve had the privilege to build on) and wide-ranging changes to the way the criminal justice system works, has done more to transform the life chances of the most disadvantaged than any other Cabinet minister of recent times. Someone with an unshakeable commitment to being a ‘warrior for the dispossessed’.
Michael Gove offers the change and the leadership we need if we are to meet this moment with the hard-headed response it demands.
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07:36
Should Suzanne Evans – currently suspended from the party – be allowed to stand in the Ukip leadership, Nuttall is asked.
[It’s] not my decision, unfortunately. Suzanne is a fantastic frontwoman for the party and I hope Suzanne comes back into the party. If the national executive committee says that Suzanne is able to stand, then I will back them absolutely 100%.
Nuttall also, he says, gets on very well with Ukip’s sole MP, Douglas Carswell – who responded to news of Farage’s resignation with a smiley-faced emoji tweet.
I don’t have a problem on a personal level with Douglas Carswell at all … unity is the key.
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Reminded of a blogpost he wrote on 2010 (deleted but archived here) saying that “the very existence of the NHS stifles competition”, Nuttall tells the BBC:
I said that back in 2010 … I believe that lack of competition within the NHS does stifle … particularly in procurement. We could bring in private companies to buy on behalf of the NHS. The NHS should still be free at the point of delivery … I’ve never said anything else.
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Ukip also needs to stick around, Nuttall argues, to make sure Brexit actually happens:
We have to be there to ensure we hold the next prime minister’s feet to the fire to ensure they don’t backslide.
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07:26
Paul Nuttall, Ukip’s deputy leader and likely contender to stand for the top job after Nigel Farage’s resignation, has been speaking on the Today programme.
Farage really is going this time, Nuttall says:
Nigel has been a brilliant leader … he’s taken us from literally nothing … He really is going out on a high.
But Ukip isn’t going anywhere, he insists – despite essentially achieving its central goal:
Ten years ago Ukip was a single-issue pressure group … That isn’t the case any more.
He says the party should be going after traditional Labour voters, adding that “there is now a clear disconnect” between them and the party.
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7.13am BST7.13am BST
07:1307:13
Jo Johnson – previously backing his brother Boris (and we know these things aren’t guaranteed) – has switched his support to Theresa May:Jo Johnson – previously backing his brother Boris (and we know these things aren’t guaranteed) – has switched his support to Theresa May:
It's Theresa May. No question. #TM4PM @TheresaMay2016It's Theresa May. No question. #TM4PM @TheresaMay2016
6.49am BST6.49am BST
06:4906:49
Morning briefingMorning briefing
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Good morning and welcome to our daily politics, leadership jousts and Brexit fallout coverage. I’m kicking things off with the morning briefing to set you up for the day ahead and steering the live blog until Andrew Sparrow takes his seat.Good morning and welcome to our daily politics, leadership jousts and Brexit fallout coverage. I’m kicking things off with the morning briefing to set you up for the day ahead and steering the live blog until Andrew Sparrow takes his seat.
Do come and chat in the comments below or find me on Twitter @Claire_Phipps.Do come and chat in the comments below or find me on Twitter @Claire_Phipps.
The big pictureThe big picture
Voting begins today to eject the first of the five would-be prime ministers from the Conservative leadership running. Tory MPs pick from Theresa May (the favourite by pretty much all reckonings), Andrea Leadsom, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb and Liam Fox, with the loser evicted from the Big Westminster House without even a chance to sob in the diary room.Voting begins today to eject the first of the five would-be prime ministers from the Conservative leadership running. Tory MPs pick from Theresa May (the favourite by pretty much all reckonings), Andrea Leadsom, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb and Liam Fox, with the loser evicted from the Big Westminster House without even a chance to sob in the diary room.
Most predictions have Fox as the first to go but what do predictions know?Most predictions have Fox as the first to go but what do predictions know?
Leadsom on Monday won the backing of Boris Johnson (he was the future once), who said she had “the zap, the drive, and the determination” to be prime minister and praised her trustworthiness. Because where are you if you can’t trust your closest political chums?Leadsom on Monday won the backing of Boris Johnson (he was the future once), who said she had “the zap, the drive, and the determination” to be prime minister and praised her trustworthiness. Because where are you if you can’t trust your closest political chums?
All five candidates on Monday night took part in hustings in front of their colleagues. It wasn’t a public event but, well, people will talk. Here’s what we can glean:All five candidates on Monday night took part in hustings in front of their colleagues. It wasn’t a public event but, well, people will talk. Here’s what we can glean:
The deadline for voting is 6pm; expect to know who’s soared and who’s stumbled by 7pm. Non-defeated but embarrassed candidates have until Wednesday morning to pull out if they don’t want to go forward to the next knock-out round on Thursday. The deadline for voting is 6pm; expect to know who’s soared and who’s stumbled by 7pm. Non-defeated but embarrassed candidates have until Wednesday morning to pull out if they don’t want to go forward to the next knockout round on Thursday.
Less snappily, the Labour leadership … contest? challenge? muddle? … trundles on. Today deputy leader Tom Watson meets trade union bosses in what is being billed as a last-ditch attempt at a deal that would ease Jeremy Corbyn out of his seat while also keeping the Labour party as one big happy family. Well, maybe not happy. Less snappily, the Labour leadership … contest? challenge? muddle? … trundles on. Today, the party’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, meets trade union bosses in what is being billed as a last-ditch attempt at a deal that would ease Jeremy Corbyn out of his seat while also keeping Labour as one big happy family. Well, maybe not happy.
At a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party yesterday evening – not attended by Corbyn or his shadow chancellor John McDonnell – Watson reportedly told MPs the union meeting was a “last throw of the dice” after he had asked Corbyn earlier that day to step down (he didn’t step down). At a meeting of the parliamentary Labour party yesterday evening – not attended by Corbyn or his shadow chancellor, John McDonnell – Watson reportedly told MPs the union meeting was a “last throw of the dice” after he had asked Corbyn earlier that day to step down (he didn’t step down).
Former leader Neil Kinnock apparently moved some MPs to tears, telling them Labour could not split:Former leader Neil Kinnock apparently moved some MPs to tears, telling them Labour could not split:
We are not leaving our party. We are going to fight and we are going to win!We are not leaving our party. We are going to fight and we are going to win!
On Monday, Fabian Hamilton, the shadow Europe minister, became the 65th member of the frontbench to resign. Another ex-shadow, Angela Eagle, proved we are way past coded messages with a gauntlet-chucking statement: On Monday, Fabian Hamilton, the shadow Europe minister, became the 65th member of the Labour frontbench to resign. Another ex-shadow, Angela Eagle, proved we are way past coded messages with a gauntlet-chucking statement:
I have the support to run and resolve this impasse, and I will do so if Jeremy doesn’t take action soon.I have the support to run and resolve this impasse, and I will do so if Jeremy doesn’t take action soon.
A defiant Corbyn did take action. He made a video: but is it a greatest hits package or a leadership career retrospective?A defiant Corbyn did take action. He made a video: but is it a greatest hits package or a leadership career retrospective?
When we do things together we are very strong. Now is the time to come together.When we do things together we are very strong. Now is the time to come together.
And because there just aren’t enough leadership spats going on, we’re likely to see some runners and riders emerge to take Ukip into its next phase. Unless Nigel Farage un-resigns again.And because there just aren’t enough leadership spats going on, we’re likely to see some runners and riders emerge to take Ukip into its next phase. Unless Nigel Farage un-resigns again.
Has the UK Brexited yet?Has the UK Brexited yet?
No. And according to the Austrian finance minister Hans Jörg Schelling, perhaps it never will. Schelling told German newspaper Handelsblatt (here in English): No. And according to the Austrian finance minister, Hans Jörg Schelling, perhaps it never will. Schelling told German newspaper Handelsblatt (here in English):
Britain will remain a member of the EU in the future. In five years, there will still be 28 member states. Britain will remain a member of the EU in the future. In five years, there will still be 28 member states. When you look at all of those [companies] who want to move to the EU, it’s a wakeup call for Britain not to leave in the end.
When you look at all of those [companies] who want to move to the EU, it’s a wake-up call for Britain not to leave in the end. On the other hand, Alain Juppé, former prime minister of France and the favourite to win next year’s French presidential election, thinks the UK should leave tout de suite:
On the other hand, Alain Juppé, former prime minister of France and the favourite to win next year’s French presidential election, thinks the UK should leave toute de suite: When you get divorced, you do not get to stay at home. You have to leave the common house.
When you get divorced, you do not get to stay at home. You have to leave the common house . Juppé also raised the prospect – rejected by the French government but potentially a future flashpoint should he end up in the Elysée Palace – that the Le Touquet agreement, which allows the UK border force to operate in Calais, could be scrapped.
Juppé also raised the prospect – rejected by the current French government but potentially a future flashpoint should he end up in the Elysée palace – that the Le Touquet agreement could be scrapped. The current accord allows the UK border force to operate in Calais.
We cannot continue with a system in which on French territory the British authorities decide the people that can be welcomed and can be rejected. That is not acceptable.We cannot continue with a system in which on French territory the British authorities decide the people that can be welcomed and can be rejected. That is not acceptable.
You should also know:You should also know:
The big questionThe big question
Will the £3 registered Labour supporters who signed up in droves last year – and who are widely credited with placing the crown on Corbyn’s head – be voting in any new leadership contest?Will the £3 registered Labour supporters who signed up in droves last year – and who are widely credited with placing the crown on Corbyn’s head – be voting in any new leadership contest?
The answer is: not necessarily.The answer is: not necessarily.
As Rowena Mason and Jessica Elgot report:As Rowena Mason and Jessica Elgot report:
Registered supporters have no “ongoing” relationship with the party and would thus have to sign up again, under Labour party rules. There is also no rule on the registered supporter fee remaining at £3, or on the timeframe in which new members should be allowed to sign up, which is a matter for the national executive committee (NEC) to decide.Registered supporters have no “ongoing” relationship with the party and would thus have to sign up again, under Labour party rules. There is also no rule on the registered supporter fee remaining at £3, or on the timeframe in which new members should be allowed to sign up, which is a matter for the national executive committee (NEC) to decide.
“It could be free, it could be £50,000 – there’s nothing to say it has to be £3,” a Labour source told the Guardian.“It could be free, it could be £50,000 – there’s nothing to say it has to be £3,” a Labour source told the Guardian.
Another source confirmed it was the case that there was “no formal ongoing relationship conferred upon them [registered supporters] because they paid to participate in one leadership election. That only allows them to vote in that leadership election.”Another source confirmed it was the case that there was “no formal ongoing relationship conferred upon them [registered supporters] because they paid to participate in one leadership election. That only allows them to vote in that leadership election.”
Poll positionPoll position
A YouGov/Times poll of Conservative party members – who’ll get to pick the next prime minister, lucky things – finds that if, as predicted, the final two are Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom, May would take it at a sprint with a thumping 63% to Leadsom’s 31% (and 6% don’t-knows).A YouGov/Times poll of Conservative party members – who’ll get to pick the next prime minister, lucky things – finds that if, as predicted, the final two are Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom, May would take it at a sprint with a thumping 63% to Leadsom’s 31% (and 6% don’t-knows).
Pitted against the other candidates, May also comes out as the winner: the poll says she’d beat Stephen Crabb by 63 points, Michael Gove by 51 points and Liam Fox by 50 points.Pitted against the other candidates, May also comes out as the winner: the poll says she’d beat Stephen Crabb by 63 points, Michael Gove by 51 points and Liam Fox by 50 points.
YouGov Tory members poll. Behold utter destruction of Gove's reputation - in under a week, from +41 to -20 pic.twitter.com/PfgQZxvSAvYouGov Tory members poll. Behold utter destruction of Gove's reputation - in under a week, from +41 to -20 pic.twitter.com/PfgQZxvSAv
DiaryDiary
Read theseRead these
Le Monde carries an interview with Christine Lagarde, head of the IMF, in which she says “we do not have the slightest idea of the timing or the outcome of the negotiations between London and the EU”:Le Monde carries an interview with Christine Lagarde, head of the IMF, in which she says “we do not have the slightest idea of the timing or the outcome of the negotiations between London and the EU”:
Le vrai facteur d’incertitude, c’est, à supposer que l’article 50 soit déclenché, les conditions dans lesquelles le Royaume-Uni effectuera des transactions commerciales avec l’Union européenne (UE). L’hypothèse favorable, c’est un accord à la norvégienne. C’est politiquement difficile, car le pays y aurait toutes les obligations des membres de l’UE, notamment la libre circulation des personnes, mais aucun droit. Mais ce serait le plus raisonnable économiquement …Le vrai facteur d’incertitude, c’est, à supposer que l’article 50 soit déclenché, les conditions dans lesquelles le Royaume-Uni effectuera des transactions commerciales avec l’Union européenne (UE). L’hypothèse favorable, c’est un accord à la norvégienne. C’est politiquement difficile, car le pays y aurait toutes les obligations des membres de l’UE, notamment la libre circulation des personnes, mais aucun droit. Mais ce serait le plus raisonnable économiquement …
Mais nous n’avons pas la moindre idée ni du délai, ni de l’issue des négociations entre Londres et l’UE.Mais nous n’avons pas la moindre idée ni du délai, ni de l’issue des négociations entre Londres et l’UE.
Theresa May, in the Daily Mail (scroll down), says as leader she’d get to work on building a Trident replacement right away:Theresa May, in the Daily Mail (scroll down), says as leader she’d get to work on building a Trident replacement right away:
It would be sheer madness to contemplate even for a moment giving up Britain’s independent nuclear deterrent. And there is no room for compromise, and no room for cheese paring.It would be sheer madness to contemplate even for a moment giving up Britain’s independent nuclear deterrent. And there is no room for compromise, and no room for cheese paring.
We need a full fleet of four submarines, capable between them of providing what the military call ‘Continuous At Sea Deterrence’, or permanent, around-the-clock cover. Doing so will send an important message that, as Britain leaves the European Union, we remain committed to working alongside our Nato allies and playing our full role in the world …We need a full fleet of four submarines, capable between them of providing what the military call ‘Continuous At Sea Deterrence’, or permanent, around-the-clock cover. Doing so will send an important message that, as Britain leaves the European Union, we remain committed to working alongside our Nato allies and playing our full role in the world …
A lot of parliamentary business has, for obvious reasons, been put on hold until the leadership election is complete and a new prime minister is in post. But when it comes to the nuclear deterrent, the national interest is clear, the Conservatives are united, and we have waited long enough.A lot of parliamentary business has, for obvious reasons, been put on hold until the leadership election is complete and a new prime minister is in post. But when it comes to the nuclear deterrent, the national interest is clear, the Conservatives are united, and we have waited long enough.
In the Times, Rachel Sylvester examines what a Labour party split would look like:In the Times, Rachel Sylvester examines what a Labour party split would look like:
A former shadow cabinet minister describes this as a ‘Clause One rather than a Clause Four moment’ because the first line of the party’s constitution defines its purpose as ‘to organise and maintain in parliament and in the country a political Labour party’. A former shadow cabinet minister describes this as a ‘clause 1 rather than a clause 4 moment’ because the first line of the party’s constitution defines its purpose as ‘to organise and maintain in parliament and in the country a political Labour party’.
What is fascinating, though, is that a growing number of MPs, peers, candidates and advisers now believe that it is time to start again with a new party of the centre left. Three months ago it was seen as foolish, or even heretical, to suggest such a thing, but since the EU referendum the idea has become mainstream. The Brexit vote has changed everything, with a former cabinet minister talking of the exciting possibilities for a ‘party of the 48%’ … One of those involved behind the scenes [says]: ‘There’s a massive opportunity for a pro-business, socially liberal party in favour of the EU.’What is fascinating, though, is that a growing number of MPs, peers, candidates and advisers now believe that it is time to start again with a new party of the centre left. Three months ago it was seen as foolish, or even heretical, to suggest such a thing, but since the EU referendum the idea has become mainstream. The Brexit vote has changed everything, with a former cabinet minister talking of the exciting possibilities for a ‘party of the 48%’ … One of those involved behind the scenes [says]: ‘There’s a massive opportunity for a pro-business, socially liberal party in favour of the EU.’
(Hang on – isn’t that … the Liberal Democrats?)(Hang on – isn’t that … the Liberal Democrats?)
And today’s Guardian long read: Rafael Behr on the inside story of the doomed remain campaign.And today’s Guardian long read: Rafael Behr on the inside story of the doomed remain campaign.
Celebrity endorsement of the dayCelebrity endorsement of the day
Actor Christoph Waltz – not a Brexit fan – could at least give his hearty backing to the resignation of Nigel Farage:Actor Christoph Waltz – not a Brexit fan – could at least give his hearty backing to the resignation of Nigel Farage:
Of course the head rat would leave the sinking ship.Of course the head rat would leave the sinking ship.
"Of course the head rat would leave the sinking ship" - Christoph Waltz reacts to @Nige_ Farage stepping down https://t.co/TG3iXxJRb0"Of course the head rat would leave the sinking ship" - Christoph Waltz reacts to @Nige_ Farage stepping down https://t.co/TG3iXxJRb0
Welcome distraction of the dayWelcome distraction of the day
After a five-year voyage, Nasa’s Juno spacecraft has reached Jupiter and successfully entered its orbit. So humans are capable of great things. Also, perhaps we could move there. #JuxitAfter a five-year voyage, Nasa’s Juno spacecraft has reached Jupiter and successfully entered its orbit. So humans are capable of great things. Also, perhaps we could move there. #Juxit
The day in a tweetThe day in a tweet
OK, it’s strictly speaking yesterday in a tweet, but in some parts of the US it’s still 4 July:OK, it’s strictly speaking yesterday in a tweet, but in some parts of the US it’s still 4 July:
Happy Independence Day!! The original #Brexit #happy4thofjuly pic.twitter.com/1s6mqb86hBHappy Independence Day!! The original #Brexit #happy4thofjuly pic.twitter.com/1s6mqb86hB
If today were a nursery rhymeIf today were a nursery rhyme
It would be There Were Five in the Bed … and they all rolled over and one fell out. Tune in again on Thursday to see what happens when the remaining four all roll over.It would be There Were Five in the Bed … and they all rolled over and one fell out. Tune in again on Thursday to see what happens when the remaining four all roll over.
And another thingAnd another thing
Would you like to wake up to this briefing in your inbox every weekday? Sign up here.Would you like to wake up to this briefing in your inbox every weekday? Sign up here.
Updated
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