Alan Duncan tells TalkRadio: “It’s very clear that the one thing I’m not is resentful”
Alan Duncan’s self-congratulatory resignation as foreign minister in the middle of one of the biggest British foreign policy crises in recent times has at least achieved one thing – it’s managed to find John Bercow’s limit. Remarkably, Duncan wanted Bercow to hold an emergency debate on the “merits of the newly chosen Leader of the Conservative Party” and whether he can form a Government. Before he even becomes Prime Minister:
Even Bercow wasn’t prepared to entertain Duncan’s delusions at this stage – a second slap in the face for Duncan after he snubbed his request to make a resignation statement in the Commons. Parliament’s most puffed-up popinjay not willing to share his perch…
I am surprised this even counts as news https://t.co/8ojYssw0OC
— Steve Double MP (@stevedouble) July 22, 2019
The most insensitive and heartless response I’ve ever received from a minister in relation to a constituency issue was from Sir Alan. Letter writing is obviously not his forte. https://t.co/Gh8EmOmzSX
— Andrew RT Davies (@AndrewRTDavies) July 22, 2019
Oh no. I’m devastated. 😭 Cried a river. He was such a… a…
Anyway, what’s for lunch?#tinyviolin 🎻 https://t.co/Mrpu8oGuzu
— Ben Bradley MP (@bbradleymp) July 22, 2019
Evergreen memories of a principled statesman. https://t.co/ujxZQd4F9E
— Stewart Jackson (@BrexitStewart) July 22, 2019
A nation mourns https://t.co/uAYRp06M8n
— Sarah Vine (@WestminsterWAG) July 22, 2019
In my view, pre-emptive ministerial resignations (If reports are true) in case your own democratically-elected Party Leader is not to your liking are absurd. And I say that as a committed @Jeremy_Hunt supporter. Such moves make a Corbyn Government one step more likely.
— Greg Hands (@GregHands) July 22, 2019
UPDATE:
We understand Sir Alan Duncan has had his request to make a statement in the House of Commons on his resignation rejected by Speaker John Bercow. Fair to say he’s not happy about it.
— Daniel Hewitt (@DanielHewittITV) July 22, 2019
Turns out Parliament’s pre-eminent puffed-up egomaniac isn’t keen on being upstaged by another one…
Fair to say that some Tory MPs seem more worried about the rise of the Brexit Party than others, Alan Duncan has gone into panic spinning mode against Farage, more level-headed sorts like James Cleverly are pointing out that the Tories should be asking why their voters are switching rather than vilifying them. Some don’t seem to be too upset at all…
Nadine Dorries praised Nigel Farage’s “fantastic interview” on Marr yesterday, Henry Smith told his local paper that Farage was a better leader than May. Lucy Allan hit back at Duncan’s Marr outburst, having already shared the Brexit Party’s election broadcast the day before:
It’s not the first time Allan’s approvingly shared Brexit Party content, while her Conservative-themed cover photo has also recently disappeared from her Twitter profile and ‘Brexit’ has appeared in her bio. Talk of defections is a bit premature but it’s hardly surprising that many Leave-supporting MPs are ashamed to be Tories right now…
Would love to hear what Alan Duncan would consider a failure…
Not a very subtle prod to Julian Assange here from FCO minister Alan Duncan, assuring him that he will be given medical attention if he leaves the Ecuadorian Embassy. Interesting that this follows the Guardian reporting that he may be on the way out of the Embassy soon – Guido hears similar whispers. Watch this space…
