Tory MP called a ‘disgrace’ and told to leave party by colleague
Antoinette Sandbach, who backed Rory Stewart in the leadership campaign, tweeted abusive messages she said were sent by a male MP.
A Tory MP has been called a “disgrace” and told to leave the party by a colleague in the aftermath of the Conservative leadership contest.
Antoinette Sandbach, who backed Rory Stewart in the leadership campaign, tweeted abusive messages she said were sent by a male MP, apparently over her continuing opposition to a no-deal Brexit.
The Tory MP for Eddisbury was sent public messages of support by leadership contender Jeremy Hunt and chief whip Julian Smith, who thanked her for her loyalty.
Ms Sandbach tweeted: “Barely is the ink dry on the results and the dark ops begin.
“This is from a male Conservative MP to me as I sat on the train home #completewankspangle.”
A screenshot of two messages read: “You too are a disgrace. Time you left the party I think.”
Ms Sandbach also tweeted: “It’s bad enough when you get it from complete strangers. Is it any wonder three female MPs left.”
Mr Hunt, who was announced as the candidate going head to head with Boris Johnson in a vote by Tory members after five rounds of voting by MPs, called the messages “wrong”.
He retweeted Ms Sandbach’s message with a note of support, saying “This is so wrong! We have to come together as a party…”
Mr Smith also retweeted Ms Sandbach and said an investigation would be launched and thanked her for her loyalty over the Government’s Brexit deal.
He said: “Totally unacceptable – will investigate & meet Monday.
“Thank you for supporting the Withdrawal Agreement three times & for your support of HMG.”
Ms Sandbach told the Press Association she had made an official complaint.
She said: “I have made a complaint to chief whip and will get it dealt with internally.”
