Tory plot to oust Sunak and install Mordaunt as new PM

Conservative rebels hatching a '100 days to save Britain' plan

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

Rishi Sunak is facing a plot by desperate right-wing Tory MPs who are planning to ditch the prime minister and replace him with Penny Mordaunt to avoid an electoral wipeout, it is claimed.

After the prime minister was dealt a blow by the defection of former minister Dr Dan Poulter, Tory rebels 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.

The extraordinary idea is reportedly in response to fears the party could suffer massive losses in this week’s local elections, with the MPs planning a series of “quick wins” to ready Mr Sunak’s successor for a general election in the autumn.

The rebels are said to believe that if Commons leader Ms Mordaunt took power and launched a series of right-wing initiatives on tax, immigration and other issues, it could avert a Labour landslide in the election later this year. One Tory rebel told the Sunday Telegraph: “The reality is that we are facing an extinction-level event. It’s for colleagues to decide if they want to go down with the ship.”

However, Ms Mordaunt is understood to have said that speculation about her is “codswallop”. Mainstream Conservatives say a lurch to the right would make the party even less popular. And Ms Mordaunt’s Tory critics say that, aside from winning plaudits for her impressive style at the coronation, she lacks political skills.