16 Tories want Cameron’s job

Wannabes already jockeying for position

THE race to succeed David Cameron as Tory leader took off last night — with 16 MPs jockeying for position.

Ambitious hopefuls have launched behind-the-scenes charm offensives.

Some have fledgling campaigns in place while others are raising their profile by speaking out on touchstone Conservative issues.

Fevered talk of who will replace the PM erupted at Westminster after we revealed a stillborn plot to replace him with Adam Afriyie last week.

The contenders include Cabinet big guns Theresa May, Chris Grayling, George Osborne and Owen Paterson.

Former leadership hopefuls Liam Fox and David Davis are also said to be “on manoeuvres”.

Contenders ... from left, Theresa May, Chris Grayling and Owen Paterson

London mayor Boris Johnson still has backers, while friends of Michael Gove hope he can be persuaded to ditch his vow not to stand.

Growing support is also forming around backbenchers Graham Brady and Jesse Norman — with others from the 2010 intake including Steve Baker being tipped to “do a Cameron” and emerge from relative obscurity.

One MP said: “Adam was putting together a team of supporters and I know of 16 or 17 others doing the same.

“There isn’t a movement to oust the PM but there are a lot of people who realise he could fall.” Another added: “There is going to be one hell of a bunfight.”

Mr Cameron laughed off talk of a challenge last week.But the jockeying is threatening to split the party.

Meanwhile, Mr Afriyie’s campaign has sparked a bitter backlash with one senior Tory source blasting: “The man is completely delusional.”