Steven Swinford, Political Editor at The Times, discusses the plot within the UK Conservative party to remove Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister, including the meetings, personalities, and mystery money funding the scheme. Lord Frost's involvement in a cash funding scheme and concerns about political party reform are also explored. The chapter analyzes a prediction and mentions an alleged Tory plot against Rishi Sunak. Consequences of the ongoing plot, including migration and budget concerns, are discussed.
The Tory plot to oust Rishi Sunak involves a covert group, unknown donors, and the possible involvement of Lord Frost and Dougie Smith.
The poor poll results and electoral challenges are fueling the plot, indicating underlying worry within the Conservative party.
Deep dives
Plotting against Rishi Sunak: A Covert Tory Plot
Former political advisors and activists met to discuss concerns about the Rwanda legislation, which led to discussions of removing the Prime Minister. A massive UGov poll was commissioned to gauge support for potential changes. The Tories faced public scrutiny as the poll results predicted a '97-style wipeout for the party. The poll was commissioned by a mysterious group called the Conservative Britain Alliance, with unknown donors. The plot involves around 10 MPs and the involvement of Lord Frost and political fixer Dougie Smith. The New Conservatives group is also said to be connected. Cabinet Minister Kemi Badenoch is seen as a potential replacement for Sunak. It is unclear how number 10 will respond to the plot, but the upcoming by-elections and local elections will be significant moments to gauge the plot's impact.
Significance of the Covert Tory Plot against Sunak
This plot stands out due to its covert nature, with unknown offices and donors. The involvement of political advisors and the secretive actions of Lord Frost and Dougie Smith raise suspicions. Concerns over the party's direction, along with poor poll results and key electoral challenges, fuel the plot. However, public condemnation of the plot by Tory MPs masks the underlying worry within the party. Kemi Badenoch's growing influence and conversations among MPs about the future leadership signal a delicate balance in Westminster.
Uncertain Future and Potential Fallout
While the plot may appear subdued at the moment, the upcoming by-elections and local elections will determine its impact. With 54 MPs needed to launch a formal challenge against Sunak, reaching that number remains uncertain. Number 10 will likely try to manage the situation and prevent an open split within the party. The secretive nature of this plot, combined with concerns about potential donors and the covert organization behind the UGov poll, signify a new flavor of turmoil within the Conservative party.
A former adviser to the prime minister is working with a secretive group of Tories to remove him from office before the general election. MPs have been out publicly backing Rishi Sunak and denying their involvement, but it risks setting off yet another civil war in the party. So who are the rebels?
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Guest: Steven Swinford, Political Editor, The Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Clips: Times Radio, Parliament Live, 10 Downing Street, BBC News, BBC Radio 4 Today, Sky News, BBC Breakfast.