Nadine Dorries, an arch-loyalist of Boris Johnson, exposed what happened in a turbulent few days in Downing Street during an interview with Dan Wootton of GB News. However, the culture minister also revealed that she had considered throwing her hat in the ring in what is becoming an increasingly crowded Conservative Party leadership contest.
So far, a total of 11 candidates have run to replace Mr Johnson, including ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Commerce Secretary Penny Mordaunt.
Ms Dorries and Brexit minister Jacob Rees-Mogg had reportedly both considered entering the contest as continuity Johnson candidates from the Tory party’s ‘right’.
While Mr Rees-Mogg said he “don’t want to break the right any further,” Ms Dorries seemed to suggest she was still taking the time to consider her candidacy.
When asked about her own ambitions, Mr Wootton said Brexit-supporting Mid Bedfordshire: “I have… [thought about it] and yes.
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“I’m not in a position to decide yet.”
Ms Dorries, who went into the jungle as an ‘I’m A Celebrity’ contestant in 2012, added: “To be absolutely clear, I have no personal ambition at all, but for me it’s the most important right now. [which] is that we continue what 14 million people voted for.
“We will continue with that manifesto and that legacy.
“I’m very keen that people don’t destroy the legacy of the past three years.”
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However, both female Cabinet ministers would enter a crowded field on the right-wing of the Tory party, with Foreign Minister Liz Truss, Attorney General Suella Braverman and ex-Equality Minister Kemi Badenoch seeking similar support from Conservative MPs and Members .
Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, newly appointed Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, ex Health Minister Sajid Javid, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Gillingham & Rainham MP Rehman Chishti also joined the race.