Despite PMQs avoiding the topic, SW1 is abuzz with chatter over The Sun’s revelation that a second Trident missile failed while Grant Shapps was on board the sub in January. Tobias Ellwood has gone further than anyone else in revealing what is known about the test’s failure, telling GB News that he has conducted “investigations” and understands “it was some equipment that was actually attached to the missile itself that prevented the firing of the rocket system“. Details that should be closed…
An MoD source confirms to Guido that “no one has been asked not to talk about the DASO (Demonstration and Shakedown Operation) in general” – implying that they have been told not to talk about specifics. Government sources insist to Guido that the deterrent is effective and all other details, including that of the leak, are “second-rate“, and that Ellwood would likely have heard more details of the test second or third-hand. Meanwhile, a “serious investigation” is being launched over the original leak of the test, starting with a police investigation into who was on the sub at the time of the failed launch. Splashes in the ocean are causing ripples in Westminster…
The Tories have caused quite a stir with their reinvigorated social media output – Guido hears CCHQ’s new head of digital Dan O’Neil is charging into the role with good results. A meme attacking Labour about illegal migration has now racked up 12 million views on Twitter. Some MPs aren’t too happy about it though, with Tobias Ellwood and Alicia Kearns calling for it to be deleted. Guido seems to remember a different initial reaction from Ellwood’s account…
Party Chairman Richard Holden told Guido last night that MPs were coming round to the meme after a frosty initial reaction. Meanwhile the new (legal) migration minister Tom Pursglove was asked about the meme this morning on both the Today programme and Sky News – to which he could dish out Tory attack lines against Labour. A clear win.
UPDATE: The tweet now has 16 million views.
Members are voting for Tobias Ellwood’s successor as Defence Select Committee chairman today – it’s between Robert Courts, Sarah Atherton, and Mark Francois. Francois is reminding MPs of his distinguished record and iron-clad principles this morning with the time-tested method of stuffing leaflets in inboxes. Guido knows of few in Parliament more “unafraid to scrutinise”…
Stay tuned for the results at 2:30 p.m.
