Chris Grayling EU comment 'not a disaster' for Number 10published at 09:58
Ross Hawkins
Political correspondent
Westminster is not reeling at the shock revelation Chris Grayling is a Eurosceptic. It was hardly a secret. But his declaration in print still matters.It proves cabinet ministers can start a good row, even they’re supposed to be agreeing.
Just listen to the former minister Damian Green accuse him of “peddling myths”.It all but confirms that there will be at least one cabinet member campaigning to leave the EU. But it’s hardly a disaster for Number 10.
Some senior Eurosceptics felt only pro-EU cabinet voices were being heard, and blamed bias in Downing Street. For them, this piece will help correct the balance.
What really matters though is what happens next. When are better-known political beasts – Theresa May and Boris Johnson – forced to show their hand? And will a bitter row between Tory tribes begin rather sooner than the PM expected?