When Tory MPs gathered on Wednesday night to hear Rishi Sunak address them for the first time since their worst election defeat, they were told to be on their best behaviour. The new chairman of the 1922 Committee, Bob Blackman, made clear to colleagues that they ought to behave respectfully – the last thing they needed was more bickering. “The suggestion was if you are angry, this wasn’t the right place to show it,” explains an attender.
In the Q&A session that followed Sunak’s speech apologising over losses, loyalty was the buzzword – particularly in reference to Suella Braverman, the former home secretary. She has been out and about recently, criticising Sunak and the Pride flag, and has not ruled out defecting to the Reform party.
