Boris Johnson will be responsible for the Tories losing his old constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said Steve Russell. Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP
The Long Boris is responsible for the Conservatives' expected setbacks in this week's by-election, a senior party supporter said.
Steve Russell, chairman of the House of Commons Committee on Health and Welfare, argued that the former prime minister would be responsible for the loss of the Tories of his old constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
The party faces losing all three by-elections this Thursday, which will strike at the premiership of Rishi Sunak.
Mr Johnson's resignation following a partygate announcement sparked a poll in Uxbridge, while the departure of Nigel Adams, a political ally, sparked a vote in Selby and Ainsty.
A third by-election in Somerton and Frome was triggered when David Warburton stepped aside after admitting to using cocaine. When asked by BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour if he expected his party to lose in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Mr Russol replied: «Yeah, that's another part of what I call 'long Boris', isn't it?»
< p>He immediately tried to refute his prediction, saying he had «no idea» what the outcome would be and pointing out local opposition to Sadiq Khan's plan to expand Ulez.
Sir James Duddridge, one of Johnson's staunchest supporters, who received a knighthood in the list of honors when he retired, called Pickle's remarks «reckless.»
«If Boris had stayed , he would have won, and in fact everything is in order. Uxbridge is much more optimistic than he says,” said Sir James.
Referring to Mr. Rassol's plans to leave Parliament in the next election, he added: “I think Steve is wrong in many ways. However, I wish him well in his new career.”
Earlier this year, Mr. Russell was found to have violated pandemic lobbying rules as a result of WhatsApp messaging uncovered in The Telegraph Lockdown investigation Files.
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former business secretary, suggested the Tories would have a better chance of success if Mr. Johnson decided to run again.
“When I was in Uxbridge, a lot of people came up to me What a pity we don't have Boris yet,” Sir Jacob told The Telegraph.
“I think Boris would have won a by-election in Uxbridge if he had been our candidate. Boris is the winning candidate and I think he would have a better chance of winning.
“However, no matter what happens on Thursday, I think the panicky calls for change after the by-election results are foolish. I think it was idiotic to panic about what happened last year. and I think the same applies now.”
By-election tracking
The defeat of the Conservatives in the by-election at Wakefield at Red Wall and the previously secure location at Tiverton and Honiton last June increased the pressure on Mr. on Johnson. to leave, and the results are thought to have hastened his political demise.
A telegraphic bookmaker odds analysis shows the Conservatives are on track to lose all three by-elections on Thursday.
According to the Star Sports, the Liberal Democrats are the overwhelming favorite in Somerton and Frome, where the Tories won with over 19,000 votes in the last general election.
This was the result of focus groups called by the Tories. colleague Lord Ashcroft revealed that «True Blue» voters in all three additional constituencies were threatening to leave the party.
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