Johnson To Seek 'Foolhardy' Support By Veering To Right

Centrists fear lurch to right on tax and Brexit as Johnson seeks to recover from near defeat

- Andrew Woodcock Kate Devlin

Boris Johnson has been warned against a show-of-strength confrontation with Brussels as he seeks to shore up support among Tory MPs following his near defeat in Monday's confidence vote.

The prime minister has done little publicly to reassure centrist critics since 40 per cent of the parliamentary party demanded his removal, instead vowing to "bash on" with plans for tax cuts, a Thatcherite right-to-buy policy, and legislation to override the Northern Ireland protocol.

One former minister told The Independent he expected a lurch to the right as Johnson offers red meat to MPs who are demanding tax cuts and a tough line on Brexit as the price of their support. But there were warnings that this could backfire, fuelling opposition to Mr Johnson among traditionalist Conservatives who are horrified at the prospect of the government breaching international law by way of new legislation, expected to be published within days, that seeks to tear up the protocol.

Dublin has already voiced concern that the government's position has been hardened as a sop to Tory critics. The Irish prime minister, Micheal Martin, urged Mr Johnson to return to negotiations with the European Commission, warning that "unilateralism will not work".