Brexiteers split on next PM

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View in browser July 14, 2022 Liz Truss says she wished she voted for Brexit, as leadership hopeful wins backing from hardliners Liz Truss promises to be Brexiteers' flagbearer. PA Wire/PA Images Don't all flag wave at once! Tory leadership candidates are falling over themselves to declare how much they love Brexit. Liz Truss declared herself a "reluctant Remainer" who regrets her decision to back the lily-livered Leave campaign in 2016. Her fights with the EU have convinced quite a few puritans. She has become some Brexiteers' favourite candidate, splitting the hardcore European Research Group (ERG) who had been expected to back Suella Braverman en mass. But true blue Brexiteer Penny Mordaunt has all the momentum, emerging as the favourite to be the next PM. Remainer moderates Tom Tugendhat and Jeremy Hunt pleaded with Brexiteers not to hate them – promising to push on with the EU-defying protocol bill. Tugendhat, still in the contest, left himself a little wiggle room by referring to the bill as good "negotiating leverage". He claimed he could somehow charm Brussels into backing down on Irish Sea trade barriers. But it doesn't look like he will charm enough Tory MPs to be PM. So Boris Johnson's legacy – turning the Tories into a hard Brexit party obsessed with fighting the EU – looks safe for a long time to come. The Brexit Headlines  Brexiteers split over Tory leadership candidates The ERG are split over their preferred candidate, with some Tory MPs opting for Suella Braverman while others (like chair Mark Francois) backing Liz Truss. Braverman backer Steve Baker said it was vital for the PM to have "genuine belief in Brexit". Hunt and Tugendhat back protocol bill Moderates Tom Tugendhat and Jeremy Hunt (now gone from the race) promised to push on with legislation to ditch protocol checks in defiance of the EU. Tugendhat said the Brexit "revolution" could not be undone. 'Won't miss him': French minister attacks Boris over Brexit French finance Bruno Le Maire lashed out at Boris Johnson, claiming that his resignation shows why populism and Brexit were not "a good cocktail for a nation." He added: "I won't miss him." Opinion of the week Liz Truss appeals to Brexiteers: "I was a reluctant Remainer ... If I could vote now, I would vote to leave the European Union." Stat of the week £2.4bn Fall in value of food exports to EU in first 15 months after Brexit What you might have missed The EU is said to be considering more legal action against the UK over the protocol bill before the end of the month. The protocol bill has started its committee stage, and line-by-line scrutiny will continue before summer recess. Boris Johnson's departure can lead to a more "constructive" relationship between Britain and the EU, Michel Barnier has said. Tory hopeful Penny Mordaunt defended her referendum claims that the UK did not have the power to block Turkey's accession to the EU. Get your free tickets for our next virtual Brexit event. Our expert panel discuss the next PM's possible manoeuvres. Articles driving the biggest conversations Will the next prime minister be able to solve the Northern Ireland issue? Articles available exclusively to subscribers Jeremy Hunt, Esther McVey and the chequered history of the 'dream ticket' Other newsletters you might like Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Sign up Morning Headlines Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by Joe Sommerlad Sign up If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Brexit and beyond newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Brexit and beyond newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.