Never mind Boris, Cameron should fear IDS

1995 library filer of Chris Moncrieff. Photo by Peter Smith/PA

The Prime Minister would be justified in being alarmed by the formidable array of big-hitters that have defied his pro-European stance and opted instead to side with Brexit, which is committed to the UK's severance from the EU.

They include two ex-Conservative Party leaders, Lord (Michael) Howard and Iain Duncan Smith, Work and Pensions Secretary, former Chancellor Lord Lawson and Michael Gove, the Justice Secretary, among others. And Duncan Smith is furious that he is being denied by his own officials a sighting of relevant Government papers.

But is David Cameron attaching too much importance to Boris Johnson’s decision to side with Brexit? Many regard Johnson as an agreeable buffoon, whose decision to join the battle has more to do with his alleged desire to become Tory leader. Johnson, with his comical pudding-basin haircut and ready wit, is a source of public amusement.

But would the Conservative hierarchy want this man as their leader? I think not. Nor do I believe the great British electorate will be much influenced by his intervention.