Losing mayoral duo would 'set Tory vultures circling'

Rishi Sunak has been warned that losses in the Tees Valley and West Midlands mayoral elections would “set the vultures circling”, with restless Tory MPs agitating for a leadership challenge.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

Over the weekend reports emerged of a Tory plot to replace the PM with Penny Mordaunt, Mr Sunak has been warned that the unseating of Ben Houchen and Andy Street in next Thursday’s contests could further damage his standing.

The pair are the Conservatives’ most powerful figures outside of Westminster and have built major personal brands. When their seats were last up for election in 2021, Mr Houchen won a remarkable 72 per cent of the vote, while Mr Street won with 54 per cent.

Amid collapsing poll ratings for the Tories nationally, both have managed to maintain higher levels of personal support than Mr Sunak and the Conservatives. But, in a worrying sign the week before ballots open, pollsters are recording both races close to neck and neck: Mr Houchen is slightly leading in Tees Valley, while Mr Street is slightly behind in the West Midlands race.

Adding to the pressure on the PM, who has again refused to rule out calling a July general election, a group of Tory plotters have reportedly hatched a plan to replace him with Ms Mordaunt.

They are said to have hatched a “100 Days To Save Britain” plan whereby Ms Mordaunt, best known for wielding a ceremonial sword at the King’s coronation, would become PM. Mr Sunak’s premiership was also rocked on Saturday by the shock defection of former health minister Dr Dan Poulter to the Labour Party.