I honest feel that Boris didn't think he would win, but he'd come out of it looking good as the leader of a popular, but losing cause with credit in the bank for a leadership challenge
But now he has 'won' and it's all turned to custard around his ears
The reverse for Dave, he didn't think he'd lose, hence his why should I do all the hard work comment.
The question is how to get round the fact that some may have realised that however pure their motives were for voting how they did, now the Immediate smoke has cleared, despite the warnings, dismissed by many as scare mongering, the brown stuff has and will hit the fan for some time yet.
What are the options;
1) KBO
2) Hold a new vote - No, just no...that way madness lies.
3) find away around it
Is the Reff binding
Can Parliament vote not to accept it...Say, as they have done before on many subjects that the majority of the public were not on board with
Hanging, Homosexuality, drink driving, crash helmets for example...well Sorry peeps, you're wrong on this and even though we were elected on your behalf etc, we will do what we think is right on this one.
Soon (pride and face put to one side ) some one will mention the closeness of the result, unintended consequences etc etc.
Somebody ( I hope ) will blink and the first one to blink and say No, Stop, will be hero and villain
but it needs doing and face saving be damned.
If it's possible, it needs doing - quick.