The ship may not have completely disappeared beneath the waves but make no mistake, there has been a mass desertion by those who steered it on its current path.
Let’s reflect on the architects of the Brexit “take back control” campaign for a moment.
Boris Johnson was first to go, dropping out of the race to be the next Prime Minister with a joke.
How appropriate for the man who had ambitions to lead the country but couldn’t write a coherent newspaper column because he was tired.
Michael Gove, who was accused of betraying Johnson by initially backing his bid to boss the Conservatives then performing a screeching U-turn and deciding he was in fact the best man for the job, at least didn’t quit like the rest of them.
He was instead ceremoniously dumped by Tory MPs for his perceived treachery.
Then came Andrea Leadsom, the Brexiteer’s Brexiteer who was backed by honorary quitter Nigel Farage and some others in the upper echelons of Ukip.
She fell victim to the sort of “smear campaign” which begins with you inflating your CV and ends in newspapers reporting what you have said.
Penny Mordaunt claims The Times attempted to 'smear' Andrea Leadsom by leading with 'something she did not say'. pic.twitter.com/JxSwm1mB0u
— UK News (@UK__News) July 9, 2016
Listen to the key part of our interview with Andrea Leadsom https://t.co/Aa325VRbMt pic.twitter.com/hmONsciWrM
— The Times of London (@thetimes) July 10, 2016
So grateful for all the support – I do believe my decision is in the best interests of the country and our economy & I wish Theresa success!
— Andrea Leadsom MP (@andrealeadsom) July 11, 2016
It is no surprise that she decided to fall on her own sword and it is to her credit that she realised being unable to withstand the heat of this contest makes her unsuited to decide on the likes of war and peace.
Theresa May by default it is. The Home Secretary is known for a no nonsense approach and grinding out what is best for her department during times of cutbacks across government.
She will need all her reputed talents as the UK negotiates its way out of the EU, something she has said will happen no matter what the deal looks like.
The UK will make a success of life on the other side of the bloc, May insisted to MPs outside the Houses of Parliament.
Nicola Sturgeon has already set course for a major collision with the Prime Minister in waiting over EU membership.
It might be that Brexit means Brexit for May, but the First Minister has made it clear that talk of a constructive relationship does not include any wavering on her desire to “maintain Scotland’s EU status” whatever the terms.
The next Prime Minister took control simply by staying in the race. Her success will now depend on skill as well as stamina.
