Boris Johnson remains an “asset” to the Conservatives despite the Tories losing close to 500 seats in the local elections, Nadhim Zahawi has said.
Although the Tories have suffered large losses across the country, the Education Secretary called on MPs within the party to remain united.
Despite his comments, some MPs such as Aaron Bell, have called for the party’s stance on Mr Johnson to be resolved, amid scandal concerning Partygate and the cost of living crisis.
Mr Bell, who has submitted a letter of no confidence, said the party cannot continue to have issues surrounding the party continuing for much longer.
Speaking to Sky News with the Tories losing 481 council seat, Mr Zahawi said: “He is an asset, absolutely. If you look at the way that Boris cuts through in places like Nuneaton, places like Newcastle-under-Lyme, other parts of the country as well – Harrow in London.”
"We must do better".
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 7, 2022
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi admits there are some local issues that the party has to address after the Conservatives lost nearly 500 seats in England, Wales, and Scotland in Thursday's council elections.#LocalElections2022: https://t.co/iMNv4Tx53n pic.twitter.com/z0mjstuaRv
He continued: “People don’t like to vote for split parties, for teams that are divided. “We are stronger when we are united – that would be my message to all my colleagues.”
The Prime Minister has come udner severe pressure after he received a fine from the Met Police for attending a Covid-breaking gathering.
The party has also been criticsed for the lack of support for families as the cost of living crisis begins to take hold.
Although the Prime Minister insisted the Government is working to help families, the Tory party has been rocked after two MPs, Neil Parish and Imran Ahmed Khan, were forced to step down from their seats.
