Putin is still popular in Russia because he gives them something or someone to blame (America, Nato, Ukraine, EU) for their suffering. Most Russians have lived with austerity for most of their lives and fear anyone with less power and “charisma” than Putin. Johnson creates a similar ‘blind faith’ in the tories. Most I know are in denial that Truss was awful and that it was the ridiculous mini-budget that caused mayhem in the markets. A proper inquiry is still needed on this. She tried. to show strength but did not have the support is she had to go. BJBJ might find that the same is true for him if he gets re-elected. I am sure he will. not learn from past mistakes and elect a cabinet of competent people (those who are will be avoiding like diseased incompetent he is).
Would Sunak do a better job? Almost certainly – therefore he could restore the reputation and integrity of the Conservative Party. Rishi is therefore a greater threat to Labour than the buffoon. Sunak would be much harder to pin down on economic policy because he understands it. Whether he will do as well on social policies is doubtful as he really does seem to be out of touch. However he has shown some intelligence in keeping a distance from BJBJ and from Truss.
Mordaunt is already looking like an also run, but will she take votes from Sunak – I guess that does not matter as he will get the 100 anyway, will she? Will Johnson?
I presume it is not fantasy that several. MP’s have said they will resign the whip if he is re-elected?
There is also a difference between BJBJ populism and “populism”. The former is policies which make him popular regardless of practicalities; the latter is policies which a majority will like regardless of their viciousness.
If Johnson gets his 100 MP’s it would seem inevitable that the turkeys who voted for Xmas with Truss will again vote for a vegetable (a cabbage rather than a cos lettuce -Daily Star please), it will last a bit longer but smell worse.