The former chancellor resigned from the government over differing economic prospects and Johnson’s failure to act on allegations of misconduct against former deputy leader Chris Pincher. However, he has faced accusations from ministers and party members of disloyalty to the prime minister and has been accused of plotting to take over the role. Raab, a staunch supporter of both the prime minister and his former cabinet colleague, denied that Sunak acted treacherously. “Anyone who thinks Rishi stabbed Boris in the back is kidding themselves,” he told The Times. “Rishi worked hard to make the relationship with the prime minister work. explained why in the end he couldn’t stay.” Pitchforks were pointing to the wrong leadership candidate, he added, insisting that Liz Truss had laid the groundwork for her campaign with the ‘Fizz for Liz’ champagne dinner. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Culture secretary Nadine Dorries, a vocal opponent of Sunak, was quick to poke fun at Raab’s comments, accusing him of trying to “rewrite the facts”. “Liz may have had drinks with MPs – but she didn’t quit her job, run away, secretly campaign MPs for votes, register a website and not campaign or be part of a planned coup,” he tweeted. . “Sunak was. You can’t rewrite the events.” Throughout the Tory leadership race, Dorries has been criticized for “divisive, disingenuous and disturbing” interventions after posting a provocative image depicting the prime minister as Julius Caesar, shadowed by a knife-wielding Sunak. Tension between the camps of the two hopefuls has led to fears that the leadership contest has fractured a deep rift within the party – so much so that senior figures believe a reunion is impossible. A senior Tory official told The Times: “The constant attacks are not constructive and are damaging to the party. Now there are camps of people who will refuse to cooperate with each other when this is all over.”
