Oh dear. It's not going great for Theresa May right now what with Brexiteers calling on her removal and Remainers also tiring of her dithering. But despite the rise in blue-on-blue hostilities, an interview with Johnny Mercer still manages to surprise.
The Conservative backbencher – who has been branded a rising star – has used an interview with the House magazine to describe the current political situation as a 'sh-- show'. What's more, he says that were he the Johnny Mercer who left the military in 2012, he wouldn't go and vote for the Conservatives – or anyone for that matter:
“'I wouldn’t go and vote. Just being honest, I wouldn’t vote. Of course I wouldn’t, no.
There’s no doubt about it that my set of values and ethos, I was comfortable that it was aligned with the Conservative party. I’m not as comfortable that that’s the case anymore.'
He also wouldn't even entertain the thought of joining the party:
“'If the situation was like it is now, I can safely say there would be absolutely no chance that I would try and be a Member of Parliament.'
Probably just as well Mercer isn't looking for promotion:
“'Look, I think it’s very clear that this current administration under this Chief Whip, under this Prime Minister, there is no role for people like me. That’s fine because nothing lasts forever.'
That time for change could be sooner rather than later.