Brexit boost: Boris Johnson surges ahead in Tory leadership race with support ...

Boris JohnsonBoris Johnson has the support of 81 MPs on the day on his official campaign launch (Image: GETTY)

The former Foreign Secretary called for “guts and courage” in an impassioned speech yesterday. Mr Johnson said “clarity” was needed to deliver Brexit with or without a deal and warned MPs would face “mortal retribution” if they interfere with the EU referendum, The Daily Telegraph reported. Following the speech, his campaign received a huge boost as Remain MPs were blocked from trying to stop a no deal Brexit.

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Geoffrey Cox, the Attorney General, became the 81st MP to back Mr Johnson’s leadership bid and sixth Cabinet minister, the paper reported.

Mr Cox said Mr Johnson was the only candidate who could “out-fight Nigel Farage in every corner of the country”.

He added: “These are extraordinary times, and we need a personality big enough, strong enough and with the political imagination to rise to the historic challenge with which our country is now confronted.”

Mr Johnson has 50 MPs support more than his rivals, Michael Gove who has 32 and Jeremy Hunt, 30.

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