Boris bandwagon offers glimmer of hope to Southport Tory MP

Southport journalist Martin Hovden writes....

If a general election was held today, Southport Conservative MP Damien Moore would be ousted by Labour, who are currently nearly 40 points ahead of the Tories in the opinion polls.

However, consider the emergence of Boris Johnson as a possible contender in the race to succeed Liz Truss as Prime Minister.

Watching TV coverage since Liz Truss resigned yesterday, it’s clear Johnson divides public opinion. His opponents say he is a liar who broke the law and is unfit to serve, while his supporters claim he offers the best chance of avoiding a Tory wipeout in the next general election.

However, if Johnson does make the final two contenders on Monday, the decision is then handed to the Tory membership, who - according to the latest polling - will support Johnson.

Love him or hate him, Johnson is popular among a large section of ordinary members of the public. If he does return as PM, Mr Moore’s chances of retaining Southport will improve. This is why so many Labour politicians and activists fear the Boris factor.

My political antennae tell me Southport is on course for its first Labour MP in the town’s history, but it may not be as easy as they think.

Meanwhile, the most democratic and fair way to solve the current Tory meltdown and political chaos is to hold a general election now. Let the people decide.