Rishi Sunak says he takes responsibility for the party's faltering start to the election campaign. Photo: WPA POOL/GETTY
Tory bosses have accused their MPs of failing to influence the election campaign.
Leaked note that was accidentally sent to some MPs as an attachment to a general campaign email, named and shamed those who refused to knock on doors or take time off work to attend family events.
This has sparked fury among MPs, many of whom are already angry that Rishi Sunak has called an early election despite trailing in the polls.
In response, the Prime Minister said he took personal responsibility for the sluggish start to the election campaign. his party's campaign, which was criticized.
The note, which was leaked to The Times, listed the names of a number of Tory candidates. and cited their failure to “provide support” for the party's re-election efforts as a “key theme.”
The individuals in question were in constituencies seen as central to the 80/20 strategy that senior Conservatives hope will change their fortunes.
Under the plan, Tory HQ will direct the bulk of resources to the 80 most marginalized seats it holds and the 20 constituencies it is likely to win.
The memo reportedly mentioned Johnny Mercer, the Veterans Affairs Minister, and said there was an issue with the MP's “cooperation with CCHQ.” Another MP mentioned was Rebecca Pow, the Environment Minister, who was accused of that she is “focusing too much on ministerial matters” and is “evasive about her time in office now and during the election campaign.”
Sarah Atherton, MP for Wrexham, was summoned for “refusing to participate” and for attempting to prevent her campaign manager from holding weekend meetings.
Ian Levy, Conservative candidate for Cramlington and Killingworth in Northumberland/Tyne and Wear was also named for the fact that he “used his 80/20 week to attend a wedding.”
He told the Times that while he went to a family wedding, he “also walked the streets delivering leaflets and conversations with voters.”
Conservative officials pointed the finger at Paul Howell, the outgoing MP, for the party's poor performance in Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, County Durham.
They wrote: “This is where there is a reason. The MP/candidate will not be knocking on the door.”
The note caused considerable anger among Conservative Party members, with one calling it an example of “ranking incompetence” at Tory HQ.
On Asked whether this was an attempt to shift blame to his MPs, Mr Sunak told ITV: “Of course it is my responsibility.”
A Tory party statement said: “As you would expect, a huge number of reports and emails are being compiled and sent every day.
“The letter was sent in error and was immediately withdrawn. An apology has been issued to those who received it.”
It turns out that Steve Baker, the Northern Ireland minister, flew to Greece on holiday at the start of the campaign.
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