We are living through the most intense political drama in modern British history. The vote to leave the European Union is the greatest act of defiance against the establishment since the coming of universal suffrage. It has triggered leadership challenges crises in the three most popular political parties: Labour, the Conservatives and Ukip. As Tony Blair might have put it, the kaleidoscope has been shaken and the pieces are in flux. We’re midway through a very British revolution.
As in other revolutions, a seismic event has caused a vacuum. It turns out that Boris Johnson and Michael Gove were telling the truth about not using the referendum campaign to further their leadership ambitions. Had either been thinking seriously about Downing Street, they might have had something resembling a plan on the weekend after the referendum. Neither man did, and they have both paid the price. Their spectacular falling out has left Tory MPs thinking only about who must come next.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in