Senior Tory calls for Rishi Sunak to become PM

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A former Conservative minister has launched a scathing attack on Rishi Sunak, calling on him to resign as prime minister.

Sir Simon Clarke has warned that “extinction is a very real possibility” for his party if Mr Sunak remains leader at the next election.

Sir Simon, who was Liz Truss's leveling secretary, said: "Rishi Sunak has sadly gone from asset to anchor."

He added: “It is time to shed the illusion and stop tolerating any indulgence in this matter… [and] his uninspiring leadership is the main obstacle to our recovery ."

Sir Simon Clarke called for a change of leadership (UK Parliament)

(PA Media)

Writing in According to the Daily Telegraph, the senior Conservative said Mr Sunak was not solely responsible for the party's fall in the polls in an election year, but he insisted that “his uninspiring leadership is the main obstacle to our recovery.”

“The blunt truth is that Rishi Sunak is leading the Tories into an election where we will be massacred,” he said. he wrote.

However, he came under criticism from other high-ranking conservatives. In a scathing assessment, a former minister said: "Simon Clarke's kick-off is not just anything."

However, the intervention suggests there will be no no let-up in the attacks Mr Sunak will face from within his own party in the election. before the election.

Sir Simon was among 11 Conservative MPs who voted against the Prime Minister's Rwanda Bill at third reading earlier this month, despite Mr Sunak avoiding a broader Tory rebellion.

The legislation survived hurdles in the House of Commons after dozens of backbenchers calling for amendments to strengthen the bill largely backed down.< /p>

Following the news, former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis told Sky News: “This is getting silly.

“The party and the country are sick and tired of MPs putting their own leadership ambitions ahead of the UK's best interests.

“It's really time these People realize they have a duty to the country that is greater than their personal leadership ambitions. »

Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel added: “At this critical time for our country, with challenges at home and abroad, our party must focus on the people we serve and deliver for the country. Engaging in easy and divisive complacency only serves our...