How *that* Boris Johnson video highlights a new 'fissure' for the Conservatives
Boris Johnson made his return to Tory politics this week, endorsing a candidate for a new MP role. But what does his video message to Alice Hopkin really mean?
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In brief...
- Boris Johnson has backed Conservative candidate Alice Hopkins for the new constituency of Normanton and Hemsworth.
- But there are doubts about Johnson's influence on Tory voters, with his support given to a specific candidate rather than the entire Conservative Party.
- Johnson's selective endorsements highlight a new divide within the Conservative Party, suggesting his reluctance to support current PM Rishi Sunak, The News Agents say.
Boris Johnson has dipped his toe back into Conservative politics to endorse a candidate at the upcoming General Election.
He stepped away from parenting duties, writing his memoir and bashing out columns for The Daily Mail to share a video message of support for the Conservative candidate for Normanton and Hemsworth.
And if you've never heard of the constituency of Normanton and Hemsworth that's perfectly fine. It was only created this year.
Candidate Alice Hopkins worked in the House of Commons, serving senior MPS since 2019, before standing for the new constituency this year with the backing of the former PM.
Huge thank you to @BorisJohnson for the endorsement.
— Alice Hopkin (@AliceMHopkin) June 17, 2024
Voters must decide if they want a Labour super majority or be represented by true Conservative MPs who will fight to end illegal migration, cut taxes and deliver the benefits of Brexit.
I am firmly committed to doing that. pic.twitter.com/cVVLGmwqJz
But what power does Boris Johnson still hold for Tory voters, or those who are undecided what to do with their ballot paper in 2024? The News Agents aren't so sure he still swings the same political punch he once did.
What do The News Agents say?
"At the start of this campaign we had Nadine Dorries on the podcast to talk about her feelings towards Rishi, which are pretty clear," said Jon Sopel.
"But she also said she was very much in touch with Boris Johnson and could not understand why Johnson would want to lend a hand to help Rishi Sunak. But he’s not lifting a finger to help Rishi Sunak, he’s lifting a finger to help people who had remained loyal to him in the dog-days of 2022.
"Those people who stood by him, who didn’t desert him, are getting the kinds of messages of endorsement. How much difference they’ll make, is arguable. We have two weeks to see."
Sopel says the Boris video highlights a new "fissure" in the Conservatives.
"The former Prime Minister is not out campaigning for the Conservative Party, he’s out campaigning for selected Conservative candidates," he adds.
Emily Maitlis agrees, saying she believes Johnson likely doesn't want to endorse Rishi Sunak, because of what he may see as Sunak playing a part in ending his time as PM.
Rishi Sunak was one of several Conservative MPs to hand in his notice under Boris Johnson's leadership, saying at the time that the pair had different opinions on how the UK should be managed economically.
Before this week, Johnson had been remarkably quiet about the upcoming election, only mentioning it in his weekly newspaper column.
On the day Rishi Sunak called the election (22 May), the former PM was tweeting links to GB News documentaries, and has since been active sharing his support for Ukraine, the D-Day veterans, King Charles and the England football team.
Now, after his message to Alice Hopkins, all Team Boris Tories will no doubt be keeping a close eye on their inboxes to see if he'll be doing the same favour for them.