‘He’s nearly 70!’ Boris Johnson allies say David Davis is 'too old' to become Tory leader
DAVID Davis cannot replace Theresa May as leader of the Conservative Party because he is too old, allies of Boris Johnson have warned.
Boris Johnson allies have claimed David Davis is too old to replace Theresa May
Tory MPs who are friends with the Foreign Secretary claimed Mr Davis’ age should not be overlooked because “he is nearly 70”, The Telegraph reports.
The 68-year-old Brexit Secretary could face a possible showdown with Mr Johnson, as they are both tipped to replace Mrs May.
Michael Gove
Mr Johnson is still widely seen as the most likely Tory leader candidate.
Tory MPs who are against Mr Davis becoming the new Prime Minister accused him of being the man who “pushed Theresa May into holding a snap election in the first place”.
Highlighting his previous failed leadership bid, one ally of Mr Johnson said: "People have short term memories. They see David as a steady hand but forget he lost to David Cameron in 2005 and has previously resigned.
"He's also the man that pushed the Prime Minister into holding a snap election in the first place. Age is not a barrier but he is nearly 70. You have got to look at that as a factor."
But another MP who supports Mr Davis, attacked Mr Johnson for "game-playing".
David Davis claims he's 'not interested' in Tory leadership
The MP said: "Boris Johnson is on permanent manoeuvres for the leadership, he has been for the last 10 years.
"David Davis is totally focused on the job he has got to do, delivering Brexit. He is not interested in this game playing. It's disgraceful. I don't think the country or party wants it."
Their comments come after other allies of Mr Johnson decided to back Mr Davis. One ally said Mr Davis would be a “serious contender” for the leadership.
Brexit Secretary David Davis in Brussels with Michel Barnier
Theresa May visited faith leaders after Finsbury Park attack
In a bid to stay out of the inner party conflict, the Prime Minister simply said she is "getting on with the job".
Since the Tory’s embarrassing win at the General Election, Mrs May has faced mounting pressure to resign.
Last weekend, up to a dozen Tory backbenchers were reportedly said to be ready to demand a vote of no confidence in Mrs May, submitting letters to Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 committee of Tory backbench MPs.