Get the popcorn out, because a Tory MP just vowed to end Boris Johnson’s career

Boris Johnson has been in the news because it became public his wife left him. In what some have branded a distraction tactic, Johnson has since referred to the PM’s Chequers deal as a “suicide vest”. Regardless of his intentions, he can’t be happy with the result. The backlash has seen one Tory minister threaten to end his political career:

For Boris to say that the PM’s view is like that of a suicide bomber is too much. This marks one of the most disgusting moments in modern British politics. I’m sorry, but this is the political end of Boris Johnson. If it isn’t now, I will make sure it is later. #neverfittogovern https://t.co/rdI0FWQhbi

— Sir Alan Duncan (@SirAlanDuncan) September 8, 2018

“Suicide vest”

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Johnson said:

under the Chequers proposal, we are set to agree to accept their rules – forever – with no say on the making of those rules.

It is a humiliation. We look like a seven-stone weakling being comically bent out of shape by a 500 lb gorilla. And the reason is simple: Northern Ireland, and the insanity of the so-called ‘backstop’.

We have opened ourselves to perpetual political blackmail. We have wrapped a suicide vest around the British constitution – and handed the detonator to Michel Barnier.

Backlash

Tom Tugendhat, a former soldier who has been touted as a future Conservative leader, took offence at the comparison:

https://twitter.com/TomTugendhat/status/1038535110482698240

This provoked some strained defence of Johnson:

Others pointed out that Johnson’s callous wording is more than just talk:

Alistair Burt, who worked under Johnson at the Foreign Office, also criticised him:

I’m stunned at the nature of this attack. There is no justification for such an outrageous, inappropriate and hurtful analogy. If we don’t stop this extraordinary use of language over Brexit, our country might never heal. Again, I say, enough. https://t.co/DWVuWQgzZy

— Rt Hon Alistair Burt (@AlistairBurtUK) September 9, 2018

The plea I’ve made repeatedly- to all engaged with Brexit, on all sides- there’s a line for those in prominent positions on language. If we worry about extremes, and how we come together after, language matters . Be passionate,just exercise some restraint.

— Rt Hon Alistair Burt (@AlistairBurtUK) September 9, 2018

Some Tories did defend Johnson. The most notable was Zac Goldsmith, although his intervention prompted a backlash of its own:

There are a number of possible motives behind this tweet, but given its author, we can be certain ‘principles’ aren’t one of them. https://t.co/hlGKGattBx

— Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) September 9, 2018

Zac Goldsmith’s principles include “running a hateful anti-Muslim campaign in a desperate attempt to become Mayor” https://t.co/kTSyiixqHw

— Owen Jones (@owenjonesjourno) September 9, 2018

Gutless

Jeremy Corbyn has managed to thrive as Labour leader despite the internal divisions within his party. It’s doubtful Johnson can do the same; he really just doesn’t have the stomach for it. This is the man who fled from his opportunity to lead the party through the Brexit negotiations and the party that drove a crying Margaret Thatcher from office.

In the meantime, grab your popcorn and watch the Tories tearing their own party to pieces.

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Featured image via EU2017 – Wikimedia