What is Gavin Williamson playing at? That’s the question on the lips of Conservative MPs after two weeks of mayhem which have seen the beginnings of a defence budget rebellion complete with a briefing war with the Treasury. Since his surprise appointment as Defence Secretary, the former Chief Whip has been keen to prove his credentials – and commitment to his department – even if he does lack a military background.
So far, this has involved banning Philip Hammond from flying in RAF jets until he paid his outstanding bill (now paid), a call for British jihadists to be hunted down and killed in the Middle East rather than allowed to return to the UK and a prominent role (including photo opp) in a campaign to save a pair of service dogs. While some of his antics might not sit well with his colleagues who rate deference (and those in security who view his terrorism comments as reckless), they are all likely to impress Conservative party members. Add to this the fact he is seen as being on the side of the Cabinet Brexit divergers (those seeking a freer Canada-style Brexit trade deal) and he’s even managed to neutralise his Remain credentials.
This is why some are now asking: why is Williamson in such a hurry? When Williamson was moved from Chief Whip to the Ministry of Defence, it was seen as a sign that he wanted to build a public profile. The fact that he is doing with such speed is fuelling speculation that there may be a vacancy in No. 10 sooner rather than later. As Steerpike reveals, last night Williamson only added fuel to the fire, when he used his Christmas drinks to tell attendees the time had come for him to listen to the needs of MPs rather than tell them how to act as he had done in his previous role of Chief Whip.
With two polls today suggesting the Tories are ahead of Labour for the first time since the disastrous snap election – and the progress made on Brexit – Theresa May’s position looks more secure than it has for months. But as George Osborne said at last week’s Press Gallery lunch: ‘it’s the consensus view of the Conservative Parliamentary Party that the leadership should change so at some point something will happen’. A number of MPs are beginning to think, Williamson is betting on this happening sooner rather than later.
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