The Conservative Party will be out of power in two years’ time if it continues on its “current trajectory” of “embarrassing” episodes during the leadership contest, an MP has warned.
Cabinet Office minister Johnny Mercer made cutting remarks during the party’s leadership contest that has rivals Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss preparing for their first TV head-to-head debate on BBC tonight.
Mr Mercer said the contest has become “puerile” after MP Angela Richardson tweeted “FFS Nadine! Muted” in response to Nadine Dorries’ critical comments about Mr Sunak’s expensive clothes.
Ms Dorries, the culture secretary, tweeted: “Liz Truss will be travelling the country wearing her earrings which cost circa £4.50 from Claire Accessories. Meanwhile...
“Rishi visits Teeside in Prada shoes worth £450 and sported £3,500 bespoke suit as he prepared for crunch leadership vote.”
Mr Mercer said: “Probably worth remembering that on current trajectory we are out of power in two years' time.
“The puerile nature of this leadership contest is embarrassing. Time to raise the standards.”
Next week, the 160,000-strong Tory membership will vote on whether Mr Sunak or Ms Truss will succeed Mr Johnson.
