Boris Johnson 'could face Tory coup' over no-deal Brexit stance [View all]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/24/boris-johnson-tory-coup-deal-brexit-tobias-ellwood-jeremy-hunt

Boris Johnson 'could face Tory coup' over no-deal Brexit stance

Peter Walker Political correspondent

Mon 24 Jun 2019 09.05 BST Last modified on Mon 24 Jun 2019 09.30 BST

Jeremy Hunt has stepped up his criticism of Boris Johnson for avoiding media scrutiny in the Tory leadership campaign, calling it “disrespectful”, as another minister said Johnson could be brought down by his own MPs if he pushed for a no-deal Brexit.

Tobias Ellwood, the junior defence minister, said it was possible that the decision by Johnson actively to seek no deal could push some Conservatives to support a no-confidence motion against his government. “I believe that absolutely is the case,” Ellwood told the BBC. “I think a dozen or so members of parliament would be on our side, would be voting against supporting a no deal and that would include ministers as well as backbenchers.”
(snip)

But Hunt was scathing about Johnson’s decision to avoid almost all media interviews and debates, calling it “very disrespectful to Conservative party members”.

Johnson has agreed to take part in an ITV event on 9 July, by which point party members will have received their ballots. But he is avoiding a planned Sky debate on Tuesday.
(snip)