The Tories would lose lots of seats. He could lose his own seat. It would win him no loyalty or security. It would not deliver better government.
For me, the most concerning thing wasn’t being behind among the very young, but being behind among everyone under age 47.
The new Prime Minister will inherit the worst political legacy in living memory – with the very barest of working majorities.
He is not wide of the election manifesto on which he stood, and should not be no-confidenced this evening. But there is a sting in the tail.
We need to re-discover our ability to spot the problems our constituents are facing and do something about them.
The most successful are those who can put their values to work and build a broad coalition, rather than exploit divisions.
He is a candidate who offers radical yet practical solutions in the short-term and has the best chance to bring back a focus on unity and traditional Conservative values.
Analysis by the Centre for Social Justice shows that their views of the Party are unfavourable, and that their support could be crucial in a hundred marginal seats.
We need a candidate who can not only deliver Brexit, but rebuild the broad Conservative church which will be essential to keeping Corbyn out of Downing Street.
Previous surveys suggest they also want No Deal (even if only as a last resort). We look forward to leadership candidates explaining how the two can be squared.
The first-past-the-post system is capricious. It protects you until all of sudden, it eliminates you. Ask Scottish Labour.
If we are to win a majority in Parliament at the next General Election it is critical that we win the women’s vote.