Kemi Badenoch is set to address a joint meeting of the right-wing 92 Group and the Common Sense Group (CSG) of Tory MPs tonight at 6.30pm. Badenoch warned in a letter sent to all Tory MPs this afternoon that those who have one leg out the door “will be dealt with firmly and fairly”, and blamed certain parliamentary bag-carriers for leaking inconvenient material to journalists:
“The vast majority of staff working for Conservative MPs are hardworking, professional and loyal. It is clear however that a small number of individuals were actively briefing against the party while presenting themselves as Conservative sources.”
John Hayes will be chairing tonight’s meeting on behalf of the CSG, which represents the right of the parliamentary rank-and-file. This is LOTO’s pitch (or warning) to keep those most likely to jump ship on-side…
There is a separate 1922 Committee meeting on Wednesday. A bit later than usual…
MPs are already upset with the tone of the letter. One backbencher said “frankly it’s worth doing an all party meeting but you should use it as a rallying call for taking the fight to Reform not bashing those of us who are trying to do just that“. The usual meeting of the 1922 Committee will also take place on Wednesday. Read the full letter below:
Reacting to the news of Jenrick’s sacking at a press conference in Fife, Nigel Farage said:
“I’ll give him a ring this afternoon. Might even buy him a pint.”