Andrea Jenkyns, a Tory MP, repeated her call for Mr Sunak to be replaced by a different leader. There were also private calls for game-changing tax cuts at next month’s Budget.
But reaction on Friday morning was also notable for how few other Tory MPs went public with attacks, perhaps reflecting a resignation to the party’s woes which some on the Tory benches privately have voiced.
A source close to a group of Tory rebels plotting against Mr Sunak said: “When the government are spinning these as better-than-expected results, you know just how far we’ve sunk.
“The reality is Labour are currently storming to a huge victory and we have an insurgent party on the right polling above 10 per cent. Cue Nigel Farage’s intervention two months out from a General Election and we’re facing an extinction-level event. It’s a slow-motion car crash.”
Nigel Farage, the former Ukip and Brexit Party leader, is honorary president of Reform. He is not expected to become party leader, a role held by Richard Tice, but that possibility still creates nerves among Tories concerned about Reform’s surge in support.
Ms Jenkyns, a prominent past supporter of Boris Johnson known to have submitted a no confidence letter in Mr Sunak to the 1922 Committee, tweeted urging colleagues to act.
Ms Jenkyns wrote: “However difficult for fellow MPs we have no choice,we have to change leader. We don’t want to be here but sticking heads in the sand will make matters worse.
“Last chance saloon to change course with a new leader, be tough on immigration and save our great country from the socialists.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
