Boris Johnson Could Oust Rishi Sunak in Surprise Return as PM Ahead of UK Polls, Says Report – News18

Disgruntled Conservative MPs are reportedly considering an “astonishing plan” to bring back Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, with a potential “dream ticket” involving former Brexit party leader Nigel Farage. The move is seen as an attempt to counter a potential election wipeout and rising support for the Reform Party, UK’s Daily Mail reported.

Britain’s young Indian-origin PM faces a critical vote on Tuesday on his Rwanda migrants plan, with Tory rebels aiming to destabilise the government. UK polls indicate declining Tory support, with voters turning towards the Reform Party, boosted by Nigel Farage’s recent popularity. As per the report in the British newspaper, some MPs argue that Johnson is the only figure capable of countering Farage’s impact, particularly in the crucial Red Wall seats. No. 10.

The MPs are panicking about polling figures showing Tory support sinking, with many voters turning to the Reform Party, the successor to Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party. Reform officials express their intention to “destroy” the Conservatives, anticipating defections from Tory MPs.

The Conservative party donors are already switching allegiance. Bristol Ports’ co-owners, significant Tory donors, recently gave 100,000 pounds to Reform, the report said. While Johnson’s political future remains uncertain, supporters emphasise his effectiveness as a campaigner. The former prime minister’s recent performance at the Covid Inquiry is perceived to have improved his standing. UK media reports say that the political landscape remains fluid, with Sunak facing internal challenges and the Reform Party gaining momentum.

The Conservatives, which have been in power since 2010, have gone through five prime ministers. In the past two years, the Conservative Party has faced internal turmoil and leadership instability. Johnson’s premiership was riddled with scandals and controversies, culminating in his resignation in July 2022. Liz Truss succeeded Boris Johnson as Prime Minister but her tenure was the shortest in British history, lasting less than two months.

According to a renowned polling expert, the Conservatives, under Sunak, are charging towards their worst-ever election defeat in history, which could see them win just 130 seats. Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, said Rishi Sunak has suffered a tumultuous autumn after multiple attempts to give his premiership a boost failed to improve his standing among voters, Daily Mail reported.

The British media reports say the public has ‘stopped listening’ to what the Tories have to say – and believes they could be heading for electoral meltdown. As things stand, polling data from YouGov and Ipsos currently puts Labour around 20 points ahead of the Tories.