Boris Johnson’s return to frontline politics is wholly dependent on Rishi Sunak biting the bullet and giving the former Prime Minister a phone call, it has been claimed.
According to the Telegraph, Mr Johnson would want a personal call from the current Prime Minister if he wants any help to campaign for the general election, expected to be held later this year.
The publication reports that insiders at Tory HQ are plotting to deploy Mr Johnson on the campaign trail later this year – despite a row between Mr Sunak and the ex-PM over his honours list in 2023.
However, it appears Mr Johnson has yet to be approached for help.
A source close to the former Tory leader suggested that in any event, Mr Johnson would expect a personal phone call from Mr Sunak.
Further still, it is unclear if Mr Johnson would ever accept such a proposal.
Last week in Wellingborough, a focus group of seven voters gave an indication of why senior members of the Tories might be pining for Mr Johnon’s return.
He is widely considered among the Conservatives’ most formidable campaigners when it comes to election time.
Four of the focus group, the Telegraph reports, gave up on the Tories after his departure in 2022 – and the subsequent squabbling over who would replace him.
All seven of the group backed Mr Johnson when he was Tory leader going into the 2019 general election campaign.
Mr Sunak was unfavourably compared to Mr Johnson, being described as a “showbusiness man”.
Though the pair fell out, Mr Sunak – who was formerly Mr Johnson’s Chancellor – has claimed to have spoken to the Tory heavyweight “on occasion”.
A source said: “We want the whole Conservative family to come together to beat Keir Starmer and Labour at the next election.
“Boris and everyone else united in that aim will of course be welcome.”
Mr Sunak has faced a number of crisis in recent months, including a fallout over his Rwanda policy plan.
Mr Johnson’s possible conversation with Mr Sunak comes against a backdrop of the former PM himself wishing to return, with many inside the party hoping he does.
Among the biggest voices calling for his return is Andrew Griffith, who became the first member of the Government to support his comeback.
He described Mr Johnson as a “great voice”, while another MP said he could “win us the next election” if he joined the campaign trail.
Last year, Mr Johnson himself issued a direct message to Daily Express readers when he promised “I’ll be back” after reflecting on his ousting as Prime Minister.
