Operation Stop Penny: MPs fear Commons Leader will seize Tory crown if Rishi is ... trends now
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A 'stop Penny Mordaunt' campaign is under way among Tory MPs amid predictions she could be crowned party leader unopposed if Rishi Sunak is forced out by a local election meltdown this week.
Even MPs loyal to the Prime Minister fear he will be in trouble if the party suffers catastrophic defeats in crucial mayoral and local council polls on Thursday.
They warn that Mr Sunak cannot afford to lose the key North East Red Wall contest, where Tees Valley Tory mayor Lord Houchen is facing a strong Labour challenge.
The scale of potential Tory losses has led some in the party to hail Commons Leader Ms Mordaunt as the only viable 'unity candidate'.
One Red Wall MP claimed Ms Mordaunt – famous for her role in holding the ceremonial Sword of State at last year's coronation of King Charles – was the only potential rival with the 'charisma to move the dial' if the PM went.
The scale of potential Tory losses has led some in the party to hail Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt (pictured in March) as the only viable 'unity candidate'
Even MPs loyal to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (pictured arriving in Germany on Tuesday) fear he will be in trouble if the party suffers catastrophic defeats in crucial mayoral and local council polls on Thursday
One Red Wall MP claimed Ms Mordaunt – famous for her role in holding the ceremonial Sword of State at last year's coronation of King Charles (pictured) – was the only potential rival with the 'charisma to move the dial' if the PM went
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