Kemi Badenoch, the Business Secretary, has called on Conservative MPs to stop speculating about the ousting of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister. Recent reports have suggested that some MPs would like Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt to replace him. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Badenoch stated that this was the opinion of a small minority of MPs.
When questioned on whether there was support for Mordaunt to become PM, Badenoch responded that “I’m sure if Penny was here she would be distancing herself from those comments. I’ve been saying for a long time that the small minority of MPs who think that this is something to be talking about should stop it”. She added that “we need to make sure one or two MPs cannot dominate the news narrative, when 350 plus MPs have different views”.
While only two Tory MPs have publicly called for Sunak to resign – Sir Simon Clarke and Dame Andrea Jenkyns – some are concerned that the cut to National Insurance in the recent Budget has failed to boost party ratings. Downing Street has sought to focus on the economy with Sunak stating on Sunday night that 2024 “will be the year Britain bounces back”.
There are fears among some that the party will fare badly in next year’s local elections, which could trigger a leadership contest. However, supporters of Sunak have argued that it is unfair to judge him on poll ratings after less than two years in the job. Sunak will today announce apprenticeship reforms, which he says will alleviate any concerns about his economic recovery plan
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