Theresa May’s former policy adviser has said she should “seal the deal” with Brexit then stand down as prime minister, enabling a “new generation” of MPs to make decisions about the long-term relationship with the EU.
The remarks from George Freeman, who formerly chaired Ms May’s No10 policy board, come amid reports that some Tory MPs are openly discussing how to topple the prime minister.
Speaking at an event in London hosted by The Times, he said: “Let me be clear. The PM has done an extraordinary job to make the best of an appalling legacy. She deserves the gratitude of a nation which was rudderless in June, 2016.
“She deserves the chance to honour her promise and deliver our departure from the European Union on March 29. But the shape of our future must be forged by a new leader.”
He said that individual needed to be a Conservative MP “liberated form the poisonous politics” of the referendum and the “shambles” that followed.
“Anybody who was involved in that referendum campaign - they carry the baggage of that terrible process. I think we need a new energy, new direction, a new generation leader to take this forward, backed up by the talent that we've got,” he said.
“If I was still advising Theresa May, my advice would be to frame it in those terms - seal the deal for a new generation and hand the torch of responsibility on to them and I think the country would cheer.”
Earlier this week, hardline Brexiteers in the party were reported to have discussed ways and means of getting rid of Ms May at a gathering of the European Research Group (ERG).
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Freeman added that he believed the party, however, should “let the prime minister get Brexit over the line at the end of March”.
He said he had not discussed his proposals with Ms May, but continued: “I believe very strongly that the Prime Minister's instincts are right on this. We have to implement the people's demand to leave the EU but how and where that leaves the country in the world and the longer-term relationship is an issue that I think should be shaped by, for and in the spirit of a new generation.”
On a trip to Africa last month, Ms May insisted she was “in this for the long term” as she faced questions over the prospect of the former foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, launching a leadership bid.
“I've been asked before whether it's my intention to lead the Conservative Party into the next general election, I answered that question before - I'm in this for the long term,” she said.
”What I'm focusing on doing is delivering what the British people want - the British people voted for us to leave the European Union and I and the Government will be delivering that.
“But what I'm also focused on doing is delivering on the domestic agenda which is of concern to people.”
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