Tory “malcontents” told to tow party line
Tory rebel MPs have been threatened with written warnings, ahead of their return to Westminster on Tuesday.
Conservative ‘malcontents” have been told to tow the party line or else, a spokesman has said.
Chief whip David Maclean is to question MPs suspected of “plotting” a coup to oust leader Iain Duncan Smith at the annual party conference in Blackpool.
Letters have been sent to those MPs seemingly hostile to Duncan Smith. They will then be forwarded to constituency parties.
Local constituency parties decide whether or not MPs will represent them at the next election.
John Maples, the MP accused of ring-leading the plot, has been called to Tory headquarters for a “career development interview.”
Around 15 of the 25 signatories needed to force a no confidence vote are reported to have written to Sir Michael Spicer, chairman of the backbench 1922 committee, who would oversee any ballot.
His committee will meet on Wednesday to assess whether a no confidence vote is necessary.
Mr Duncan Smith said last night: “My message is simply this: on Monday go to Michael Spicer with your 25 letters and we can lance the boil that way.
“But since there are only half a dozen of you and you have run out of steam, decide whether you want to be a hard-working Conservative MP rowing in the boat or, if not, ship out.”
