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Andrew ‘Calamity’ Cooper boosts Theresa May

And so another hellish week for Theresa May begins. The Prime Minister must somehow avoid publishing the Attorney General’s legal advice for all MPs and then convince 100 Conservative MPs to put their doubts aside and back her deal ahead of next week’s vote. So far, the signs are not good.

But there is at least one piece of good news for the beleaguered Prime Minister: Andrew Cooper has said she can’t go on. Yes, the Evening Standard reports that David Cameron’s former aide and pollster Lord Cooper told an audience at Tortoise’s Editorial ThinkIn that Theresa May would be replaced in the near future as the ‘arithmetic of support’ for the Prime Minister’s deal is ‘extremely unfavourable’:

“‘Your view is that there is a high probability that we’re heading for a new prime minister?’ the Tory grandee was asked. ‘Yes,’ came the curt reply.”

While on the surface this may seem bad news for May – given that it’s Cooper who said it, it could well be a blessing in disguise.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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