Rishi Sunak has been confronted with disparaging comments his backbenchers reportedly made about him as he was accused of presiding over a party “in meltdown”.
Keir Starmer asked Tory MPs said to have called Rishi Sunak “arrogant”, “inexperienced” and a “really bad politician” to reveal themselves.
The Labour leader suggested the Conservative Party is in disarray, trying to solve internal divisions at the expense of governing the country.
He continued to mock the unity of the Tories throughout PMQs on Wednesday.
UK Parliament“Christmas is a time of peace on earth and goodwill to all – has anyone told the Tory party?” he asked the PM.
Sunak replied: “Christmas is also a time for families, and under the Conservatives we do have a record number of them.
“At the beginning of the year I set out some priorities that this Government would deliver for the British people, and over the course of this year we have.
“Inflation halved, the economy growing, debt falling, action on the longest (waiting lists), the boats down by a third, and crucially… tax cuts coming to help working families in the new year.”
Starmer accused the Prime Minister of “spin”.
He said: “The whole country can see that yet again the Tory party is in meltdown and everyone else is paying the price.
“Now, he’s kicked the can down the road but in the last week his MPs have said of him: ‘He’s not capable enough, he’s inexperienced, he’s arrogant, a really bad politician’.”
“Well, they are shouting,” he said referring to the Tory benches, “but this is what they said. Come on, come on. Who was it who said he’s a really bad politician? Hands up.
“What about inexperienced? Who was that? Or, and now there has got to be some hand for this, ‘he’s got to go’? Shy. Apparently he’s holding a Christmas party next week… how’s the invite list looking?”
Starmer “should hear what they have to say about him,” the Prime Minister responded.
It comes amid divisions in the Conservative Party about the PM’s Rwanda plan.
The emergency legislation passed through the House of Commons at its second reading on Tuesday by 313 to 269 – with around 29 Conservatives abstaining.
Those on the right of the party are concerned it does not go far enough, with former home secretary Suella Braverman and immigration minister Robert Jenrick launching strong criticism of Sunak’s government after resigning from their posts.
Meanwhile, there are concerns from some in the liberal wings of the Conservatives that the bill goes too far. They are keen to ensure Britain abides by international law.
The Rwanda plan will see some migrants deemed to have come to the UK illegally flown to the African republic.
Hundreds of millions of pounds have already been spent on the project but no flights have yet taken off following months of legal challenges.
Last month, the Supreme Court ruled the proposals were unlawful.
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