Yahoo News Labour MP says praise for Boris Johnson 'made me want to scoop my own eyeballs out with a teaspoon'
As the list of names ready to throw their hat in the ring as Tory leader gets bigger, one name continues to stand out.
Boris Johnson remains the current favourite to take over as leader - and Prime Minister - once the vacancy pops up.
However, not everyone is thrilled with that idea - possible none more than Labour MP Wes Streeting, who launched an astonishing attack on the former Foreign Secretary last night.
Listening to @JohnnyMercerUK extol the virtues of Boris Johnson “made me want to scoop my own eyeballs out with a teaspoon.” @wesstreeting tells us what he really thinks #Peston pic.twitter.com/ABfm9sqQuz
— Peston (@itvpeston) May 22, 2019
During an appearance on ITV’s Peston show, Mr Streeting responded to Tory MP Johnny Mercer’s backing of Mr Johnson with a few choice words.
He fumed: “Listening to Johnny [Mercer] extol the virtues of Boris as a one nation Conservative made me want to scoop my own eyeballs out with a teaspoon.
“This is one of the most disingenuous, self-serving politicians our country has ever seen.”
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Referencing Mr Johnson’s controversial Daily Telegraph column where he likened Islamic clothing to “letterboxes”, Mr Streeting added: "He panders to prejudice to win votes.”
Of course, Mr Streeting - or any other opposition MP - has any say in who will be the next Tory leader, but his comments show just how divisive the former London Mayor is.
Mr Johnson has already confirmed he will run for leader once Theresa May resigns - which could be within a matter of days.
The PM is facing intense pressure to quit following her offer of a vote on a second referendum in her Brexit deal.
Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom resigned from the Cabinet in protest and other Tories have demanded Mrs May go immediately.
However, she has so far refused to buckle and is set to take another hit once the Euro election results are announced - where the Tories are predicted to come in fifth place.
