How much bother will the Gaukeward squad cause Boris Johnson?

How much bother will the Gaukeward squad cause Boris Johnson? Barring one of the biggest political upsets of the past three years, Boris Johnson will be announced on Tuesday as the new leader of the Conservative party – and the next prime minister. Talk has already turned to the problems (and defections) he could encounter in his own party in his first days in office.

Philip Hammond set the tone on The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday when he took some pleasure in explaining he couldn’t be sacked by Johnson as Chancellor. The reason? He would resign first. It’s a common refrain amongst the anti-no deal Cabinet ministers. David Gauke – the Justice Secretary – has suggested he will do the same. Given that Johnson is unlikely to keep either in his Cabinet anyway, this is in part about pride – jumping before you are pushed. They are part of a group that has already been dubbed the ‘Gaukeward squad’ by Tory MPs.