Will the next prime minister be able to negotiate a new Brexit deal?

Politics Explained: Brexit may prove just as toxic to future Tory leaders

After weeks of candid interviews, kitchen photo shoots and “wide-ranging speeches”, the Tory leadership circus is now beginning in earnest.

Theresa May’s premiership is hanging by a thread after her “bold offer” on Brexit, which included the prospect of a second referendum, drew a furious backlash among MPs and prompted the resignation of cabinet Brexiteer Andrea Leadsom.

The beleaguered prime minister, who has survived defeat after defeat, appears to have finally run out of road. Senior Conservatives are openly talking about replacing her, and Westminster is waiting with bated breath for the results of her meeting with Tory backbench leader Sir Graham Brady on Friday. The problem for Boris Johnson and other would-be prime ministers is they will face the same challenges as Ms May on entering Downing Street.