Although the PM just about managed to secure her cabinet’s backing for the draft withdrawal deal, she still needs to get it past parliament, while also facing the prospect of a vote of no confidence.
Sputnik looks at five politicians who could capitalize on the Brexit-induced chaos and benefit from PM May’s downfall.
Boris Johnson
Although he is considered by many to be something of a joke, largely thanks to his countless high-profile gaffes, Johnson has long been tipped as a likely successor to May as Tory leader and PM.
He has continued to be critical of the government’s approach to Brexit talks with Brussels, but has so far shied away from launching a leadership challenge, to the annoyance of the party’s most hard-line Brexiteers.
Justine Greening
Greening, another Tory cabinet minister who resigned under May, could prove to be a dark horse in an eventual leadership battle, with her pro-EU views materially differentiating her from other likely candidates.
The former secretary resigned from the cabinet earlier this year after the prime minister attempted to transfer her away from the Ministry of Education.
Last month, she expressed interest in launching a leadership bid if May is ousted, insisting that “things need to change” in the UK, not just with regard to Brexit.
She is the least likely next PM on our list according to bookmakers, but could defy the odds, especially with more and more Brits abandoning Brexit and backing calls for a fresh vote on Britain’s membership of the EU.
Jeremy Corbyn
Contrastingly, bookies have pegged Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as the most likely next PM, edging Boris Johnson and Dominic Raab.
The ousting of May could pave the way for another snap general election, presenting the Labour Party with an opportunity to enter office after spending eight years on the sidelines.
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Furthermore, a string of polls found that Labour is likely to win key marginal constituencies if Corbyn pledges to hold a second referendum, potentially thrusting them into power.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Outspoken Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg quickly expressed his vehement opposition to the draft deal agreed on Wednesday, describing it as “rotten.”
Although he doesn’t enjoy the same level of support as Johnson, Mogg could still benefit from May’s ouster, especially if she is replaced by a staunch Brexiteer.
In such a scenario, Mogg could find himself in the cabinet as opposed to occupying the fringes of the Tory Party.
Gerard Batten
Gerard Batten’s UKIP could perhaps be the biggest winners, as they are gagging for a fresh general election after an abysmal showing in 2017 and have the potential to win back some seats in the House of Commons, with many Brits angry at the government’s so-called “betrayal” of Brexit.
A revival could be on the cards, as UKIP is the only party that would unequivocally not back a fresh vote, killing off remainers’ hopes of staying in the EU, to the delight of Brexiteers.
The return of Nigel Farage as the UKIP leader would further boost their chances, as the former banker, who currently serves as an MEP, personally maintains significant support from scores of Brits.
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