Boris Johnson could make shock political comeback if Suella Braverman becomes Tory leader
A PLOT is being hatched to bring Boris Johnson back if Suella Braverman becomes the next Tory leader.
PM Rishi Sunak could face a leadership challenge next month if the Tories have a catastrophic result at the local elections.
The Conservative Democratic Organisation – a powerful Tory members group – are preparing to throw their weight behind Suella’s bid to be leader.
Sources close to the group said their internal polling shows she is the firm favourite among their members.
Senior party figures say Suella could then bring Boris back as a Tory Party vice chairman.
He would not need to be an MP to carry out the senior role.
A source close to CDO said: “Polling shows CDO members prefer Suella as leader.
“I think there is a touch of Thatcher about her. She is pretty brave and outspoken.”
Another Tory figure said: “Suella could bring Boris back as vice chairman of the party.
“He could be a Cecil Parkinson style figure – giving his wealth of advice and experience.
“It would give the Tories real heft and firepower, and he wouldn’t need a seat in the House of Commons.”
Mr Sunak is on the ropes as the Tories continue to lag behind in the polls.
Very few Tory MPs have openly called for him to quit as leader – yet.
But a renewed bid to oust him is expected to be launched after the May 2 local elections if they are a disaster for the Conservatives.
Top Tories are already jockeying to succeed him.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is eyeing a leadership tilt.
He is throwing a drink bash for MPs on Monday night in his ministerial office as he ties to schmooze backbenchers.
Penny Mordaunt is also seen as a favourite to replace Mr Sunak if he falls.