The Home Secretary has insisted that the Conservatives will ‘deliver a deal’ on Brexit, putting him at odds with hard Brexiteers in the party – like fellow leadership candidate Boris Johnson.
Sajid Javid, who was campaigning in Peterborough today for the June 3 by-election, is one of the front-runners to replace Theresa May.
However, his desire to do a Brexit deal means that he is pitting himself against several candidates, including Mr Johnson.
Former Foreign Secretary Mr Johnson previously vowed to take the UK out of the EU at all costs.
Laying down a marker, he said Brexit must happen by October 31 when the extension agreed with the EU is due to expire.
‘We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal,’ Mr Johnson told an economic conference in Switzerland.
‘The way to get a good deal is to prepare for a no deal.’
Mr Javid was supporting candidate Paul Bristow in the by-election, called following the sacking of disgraced Labour MP Fiona Onasanya.
The Home Secretary is one of the front-runners to replace Mrs May, though he is yet to officially announce his candidacy.
Yesterday, Conservative MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon, said: ‘We need a Leader who is electable, can unify the country, and who embodies the Conservative spirit of the ladder of opportunity. That’s why I’m backing @sajidjavid for the job.’
Speaking in Peterborough today, Mr Javid said: ‘A lot of people are concerned about the challenges ahead and we’re concerned. But if we get through them it’s going to be through a united Conservative government.
‘While people are concerned about what’s happening next with Brexit, we know what’s happening next.
‘We’re going to deliver a deal. We’re going to bring people together, we’re going to bring Parliament together we will deliver a deal.
‘There’s so much going right in this country and it’s absolutely worth us reminding people of that.’
Supporting candidate Paul Bristow, Sajid Javid claimed that his party will ‘deliver a deal’ on Brexit
The Home Secretary is one of the front-runners to replace Mrs May, though he is yet to officially announce his candidacy
Paul Bristow will face off against 14 other candidates in the Peterborough by-election, which will be held on June 3.
It was called after former Labour MP Fiona Onasanya became the first politician to be booted out of the Commons by voters using a recall petition.
Almost 20,000 people in Peterborough signed the petition to kick her out of the seat after less than two years.
The disgraced politician was jailed in January for perverting the course of justice after lying to police over a speeding charge.
Fiona Onasanya was booted out of the Commons after almost 20,000 people in Peterborough signed the petition to kick her out of the seat after less than two years
Postal and Signatory ballot papers arrive at City Hall in Peterborough for the removal of Fiona Onasanya as MP
Mr Javid’s appearance comes after a tearful Theresa May announced she would be resigning as Prime Minister and Tory leader.
Within minutes of her announcement, candidates were scrambling to get out of the blocks, and staking their claim for her job.
Cabinet big beasts such as Jeremy Hunt and Mr Javid, as well as Michael Gove, who dodged questions about his intentions, are being linked with the top job.
Brexiteers like Dominic Raab, Andrea Leadsom and Liz Truss are also blatantly on manoeuvres.
But a range of more obscure names are also contemplating joining the fight. Sir Graham Brady, the Tory ‘shop steward’ who chairs the 1922 committee, unexpectedly threw his hat into the ring.
And backbench ‘hardman’ Steve Baker, deputy chair of the Brexiteer ERG bloc, has also indicated that he could take part in the race.
Theresa May broke down in tears on the steps of No10 today as she announced the date of her resignation as Tory leader – sparking an official contest
Boris Johnson (pictured on his bike in London) said Brexit must happen by October 31 ‘deal or no deal’ as he made a high-octane pitch for 10 Downing Street
Theresa May broke down in tears on the steps of No10 as she announced the date of her resignation as Tory leader – sparking an official contest with Jeremy Hunt one of the contenders (pictured)