General Election 2015: David Cameron keeps quiet on Boris Johnson 'succession plan'
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Version 0 of 1. David Cameron has refused to confirm or deny reports of a secret Conservative party succession plan for Boris Johnson if he fails to win an outright majority. Speaking at a campaign in south London this morning, the Prime Minister he was “focused on the next 12 days rather than anything after”. He said his priority was to keep the country moving forward and to “save our economy, save jobs, save our country.” “Otherwise we put it all at risk, we go back to to square one, it is like the last five years haven't happened.” he continued “We go back to borrowing and debt ... unlimited welfare and taxes - all the things that got this country into such a mess seven years ago from which we have so far recovered so strongly. Don't put it at risk.” According to the Daily Telegraph, the outgoing London Mayor is being lined up for a secret “coronation” by senior figures in the party. Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson (Getty Images) Cabinet members and senior backbenchers are said to have discussed scenarios where Cameron could step down as party leader even if he does win more seats than Labour in the election. Sources insist this is not the beginnings of a coup but “sensible contingency planning”. Last month, David Cameron revealed to BBC News he did not intend to stand for a third term as Prime Minister and would presumably step down at some point in the next parliament if the Tories form the next government. One option allegedly being considered by the party is that if they win, Cameron would stay on for a short period as prime minister before stepping down in favour of Johnson who would then try to assemble a Tory-led minority government. |