Boris Johnson plans to promote his head of communications to a crucial role would be the “final nail for the PM” and “makes Rishis trajectory even quicker”, Conservative MPs have said today.
Plans are still under wraps, but if confirmed the promotion will see Lee Cain made chief of staff, joining senior advisers Dominic Cummings and Lord Udny-Lister, and Simon Case, who took over as Cabinet secretary in September, in the PM’s closest circle of aides.
But the rumours have angered backbenchers – many of whom are convinced the former Vote Leave spokesman was behind the recent lockdown leak.
One former minister said it was “pathetic”, adding: “I can’t get beyond him being a bloody chicken, and we all know it was him who ‘leaked’ lockdown.”
Another added: “It’s this Government all over – style over substance. Maybe the messaging will improve but I doubt it will improve delivery. And once Conservatives lose our reputation for competence, we usually lose power pretty soon afterwards.”
A fellow Tory MP said: “The lunatic will have literally taken over the asylum…. he is Dom Cummings’ puppet and Dom Cummings is an advocate for lockdowns.”
She added: “If this is true and comes to pass it will be the final nail for the PM. I don’t think he realises how concerned the parliamentary party is about the number 10 operation and at the heart of that is Cummings and Cain. It is just clear the PM does not understand or appreciate the trouble he is in with parliamentary party.
“Lee Cains appointment makes Rishis trajectory even quicker.”
But a former adviser said No 10 would be unrepentant in the face of Tory outrage, and played down the prospect of a purge. “This Government gave up on optics when Cummings told the country to go **** itself.”
Mr Sunak is addressing the 1922 Committee this afternoon – reassuring backbenchers about public finances. One MP joked it was “his job interview – we’ll just say ‘when can you start?'”
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