Sajid Javid's team are trying to convince Michael Gove to stand aside

As Tory leadership jockeying gathers pace, MailOnline understands allies of Sajid Javid are contemplating a 'dream ticket' with Michael Gove that could see the pair move into No10 and No11 respectively.

They are mulling whether Jeremy Hunt could be offered Home Secretary to drop his candidacy as part of the pact, while Penny Mordaunt and Andrea Leadsom could also be handed promotions to fall into line.

There are fears that unless the main Cabinet contenders come to an arrangement between themselves their support could splinter, opening the door for Boris Johnson. 

Many believe that if he gets enough endorsements from MPs to be in the final two voted on by Tory activists he will win, but his support on the backbenches is limited.

A senior Tory source described Javid as PM and Gove as Chancellor as a 'grown up and sensible solution' that would match the current Environment Secretary's strategic thinking with the Home Secretary's public appeal and bring 'stability' at the top of the party.

'We know Michael Gove's limitations in terms of public appeal, Lynton Crosby made that very clear in 2014. He has some clear challenges to get over the line without many of the Brexit supporters who will never forgive what happened with Boris Johnson in 2016.

'Sajid Javid has broad support around the country, the polling evidence proves that.  And the fact that he has a back story that no one else in the party has.'

More than a dozen Tory MPs are poised to launch bids for the leadership after Theresa May announced she will quit if her Brexit deal is voted through.

Another MP said today: 'It's like the start line of the Grand National, but in the end Becher's Brook finds many out.'





MailOnline