Tory MPs believe David Cameron would not see out a full second term if he wins the election next year, the Financial Times reports today. An unnamed MP told the paper there was a “widespread assumption” that Mr Cameron would stand down around the time of his planned referendum on EU membership in late 2017.
Stepping down after the proposed referendum would allow a new leader to assume the difficult job of reuniting the Conservative party after a divisive campaign.
The MP who is described as “close” to the Prime Minister said Cameron is aware that seven to eight years in power marked a decline for both Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, with Lady Thatcher being accused by colleagues as “power mad”.
Cameron is expected to announce his resignation as Tory leader immediately if he loses next year’s election.
