I would not bet on the outcome of EU referendum '“ it's all to play for

Indeed, the rival factions wasted no time after Saturday’s historic Cabinet meeting to embark on the fray that will rage until the in/out EU Referendum on June 23.

But it will not only – as David Cameron so rightly says – be a once-in-a-lifetime event. It could also have a dramatic effect on the leadership of the Conservative Party and, indeed, the next incumbent of 10 Downing Street.

The repercussions, therefore, of this referendum could well have a far wider impact on domestic politics than whatever is now envisaged.

A decision to back Brexit on June 23 would be a huge blow to Cameron and would have a gravely damaging, and possibly devastating effect, on his leadership of the party, and, far more importantly, his tenure in Downing Street.

For how can he possibly continue to run the country as prime minister if the electorate have dished his passionate desire to remain in the EU?

It would be a nigh-on an impossible situation for him. He has taken a huge gamble.

And it would open the door for Michael Gove, the Justice Secretary, who at the weekend signed up to the Brexit camp to make a serous bid for the leadership.

Gove is reported to have had clandestine talks with London’s Mayor Boris Johnson – who has been annoyingly equivocal on this issue.

However, Johnson “came out” at the weekend saying he was joining the Brexit campaign – an announcement that created a bigger stir than I think it warranted.

Meanwhile, a victory for Cameron would not only be a huge relief to the prime minister, but a big boost for the home secretary, Theresa May who has publicly joined the premier’s team and whose prospects of becoming the next Tory leader would be increased immeasurably by such an outcome.

And what of Chancellor George Osborne? Will he become more assertive as the campaign gathers momentum? We shall see.

It is all to play for. And I for one would not care to risk my life savings on the outcome, certainly not at the present state of play.

But whatever the result, it will have an enduring effect on the future of British political life.

• I am afraid I am not one of those who regard Boris Johnson’s decision to support Brexit as representing a huge hammer-blow for the Prime Minister. I cannot myself see the Conservative Party electing him as their leader, although if I am wrong, I do not propose to eat my hat.

The trouble with pretending to be a buffoon (which he does so well) is that many people believe you are a buffoon. I am beginning to wonder myself.

Just step for a moment into the realms of fantasy: A summit in the Oval Office of the White House between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Laurel and Hardy wouldn’t get a look-in.

• Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow in north-east London, was an outstanding member of the 2010 new intake in Parliament. But she has suffered, and is suffering from more than her fair share of harassment.

Some of this is due to her last-minute decision to defy Jeremy Corbyn and go “off-message” to support military action in Syria. Some hard-line activists in Walthamstow want to see her dumped and the Corbyn-supporting Momentum Group are said - although they have denied this - to be targeting her.

The Labour Party boasts about being a broad church. But this is the work of narrow-minded bigots who object to an MP having a view which they do not share.

Talking of “off-message”, I recall John Major making a speech in a provincial town during the 1992 general election campaign. Afterwards, an aide came rushing up to him, saying: “Prime Minister, you were off-message.” “Off-message?” Major replied. “How can I be off-message? I am the message.”

So there!

• Left-wing firebrand Dennis Skinner told me a little while ago that he did not use email and that he castigated people who sent him messages via this medium.

He said it was costing postmen their jobs, which should be preserved.

But there must come a time when even Dennis Skinner has to get up to date. For instance, who buys mangles these days? Perhaps Skinner still operates one in his kitchen in order to keep mangle-makers in work.