Tory MPs balk at ‘patronising’ bid to rebrand culture funding

Concerns over funding allocation have been raised with the culture secretary, Michelle Donelan. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

A Tory revolt has emerged over “patronising” claims that funding for established cultural institutions contributes to the government’s levelling up pledge, amid concerns from ministers and MPs that “real levelling up” projects for the underprivileged have been slashed.

Rishi Sunak is expected to be confronted this week over the issue during prime minister’s questions.