Boris Johnson firm favourite among Tories to replace David Cameron, after Brexit support
BORIS Johnson is the overwhelming favourite among Tory activists to become the next party leader after he announced his backing for Brexit.
Boris Johnson is firm favourite to replace David Cameron as party leader
The London Mayor, who has defied huge pressure from Prime Minister David Cameron to back Britain ditching Brussels rule and regaining its independence, was more than 20 points ahead of his nearest competitor in a Yougov poll of 1,000 party activists.
The poll is a huge blow to Chancellor George Osborne who trails a distant second place on 22 per cent compared to Mr Johnson's 43 per cent.
The London Mayor recently announced his support for the Brexit campaign
Many people believe that the two will be the ones to win the nominations of MPs to be voted on by the wider membership.
Boris is in pole position to be the next PM
Under party rules Tory MPs have to nominate two of their number for the final vote.
The other potential candidate, Home Secretary Theresa May, is even further behind on 19 per cent after disappointing many activists by deciding to back Remain despite suggesting she was pro-Brexit.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson's principled stand against a verbal assault from Mr Cameron to regain Britain's sovereignty, also saw him easily beat a fourth rival, Business Secretary Sajid Javed, whose last minute betrayal of the Brexit cause leaves him on just seven per cent.
The poll is a huge blow to Chancellor George Osborne
Johnson is 20 points ahead of his nearest competitor
London Mayor Boris Johnson Publicly Supports 'Brexit'
The poll saw Ladbrokes shorten Mr Johnson's odds of becoming the next leader from 3/1 to 9/4 installing him as the favourite.
Meanwhile Mr Osborne's odds have lengthened from 2/1 to 11/4. Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: "Boris is in pole position to be the next PM.
"The finish line may be a way off yet, but it looks like Osborne is already running out of steam."