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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Rowena Mason Whitehall editor

James Cleverly targeted by dirt-digging firm’s ‘dossier’ in Tory leadership race

Midshot of James Cleverley in blue suit and tie outside building with large brass plaque on wall
A source close to James Cleverly, above, implied the MP had been the subject of a ‘hit job’. Photograph: Tayfun Salcı/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

A firm that specialises in digging dirt on political candidates has been circulating a “dossier” on James Cleverly that appears to have been commissioned by one of his Tory rivals or a third party trying to influence the contest.

Despite the Conservative party’s efforts to ensure a clean competition with candidates banned from briefing against or criticising each other too harshly, Cleverly is believed to have been targeted at arm’s length by an opponent.

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