LONDON — The fallout from Britain’s decision to leave the European Union continues, with members of the ruling Conservative Party lining up to slit each other’s throats in the battle to become the next prime minister.

Brexit backer Boris Johnson was widely expected to vie for the top job but pulled out of the race on Thursday after he was stabbed in the back by devious fellow Leave campaigner Michael Gove.

Gove gave the impression he was on Team Boris right up until announcing his own candidacy. The former journalist is best known in the UK for being a Euroskeptic and a hate figure for teachers during his time as education secretary.

Gove running for leader splits the party’s anti-Europe vote, destroying Boris’ chances. That’s why one Tory insider described Gove as a “cuckoo in the nest,” to the Daily Mail.

Tory MP Jake Berry even said Gove had earned himself a reservation in a very deep pit in Hell, according to the Mail.

Gove will be challenged for the party leadership by Home Secretary Theresa May, who campaigned to stay in the EU. Well, sort of.

May is best known for running a ministry that tried to deport a frail, 92-year-old widow to South Africa last year before finally bowing to a public outcry over the case.

Showing a compassionate side like that, it’s no wonder comparisons are being made between May and the last woman to lead the Conservatives. However, other than being equally ambitious, Tory insiders say May is too dull and boring to emulate Margaret Thatcher.

The backstabbing and maneuvering will continue until the Conservatives elect a new leader in September. Other chancers to throw their hat in the ring include Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadson.

The winner is almost certain to be named prime minister. His or her first job? To clean up the mess left by the last guy.