Conservative whips at the centre of a ‘dirty tricks’ storm as leadership rivals are accused of digging up ex-soldiers’ histories
- Johnny Mercer MP accused a Tory enforces of attempting to ‘dig up dirt’
- MoS has learned that similar enquiries have been made to Tom Tugendhat
- It is understood that Mr Mercer angrily confronted Theresa May’s Chief Whip Julian Smith on the phone, urging him to root out any such behaviour
Tory Whips were at the centre of a growing dirty tricks storm last night after it emerged that a second former Army officer tipped for party leadership is having his past mysteriously probed.
On Thursday, war hero turned Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer took to social media to accuse an anonymous Tory enforcer of attempting to ‘dig up dirt’ about his military career. The accused is understood to be Deputy Chief Whip Chris Pincher.
Now The Mail on Sunday has learnt that similar enquiries have been made to former Army colleagues of Tory MP Tom Tugendhat – who served in the Intelligence Corps – who last week ruled out a tilt at No 10.
On Thursday, war hero turned Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer (pictured) took to social media to accuse an anonymous Tory enforcer of attempting to ‘dig up dirt’ about his military career
A source said: ‘They’re trawling through old friends who unsurprisingly reported back.’
It is understood that Mr Mercer angrily confronted Theresa May’s Chief Whip Julian Smith on the phone on Friday night, urging him to root out any such behaviour. But Downing Street insiders ridiculed the idea that they were behind the hunt. Instead, they heaped blame on the fevered leadership jostling that is currently tearing through the top of the Conservative Party, suggesting Mr Mercer was planning to run to replace Mrs May.
One Minister, who is a former Whip, said: ‘I never ever heard of this sort of thing being contemplated let alone being done.
‘It is much more likely to be a rival to Mercer posing as the Whips’ Office.
Tom Tugendhat – who served in the Intelligence Corps
‘There is no way they would have the time or ability.’ And a serving Tory Whip told this newspaper: ‘We have bigger problems than Johnny Mercer.’
But hitting back, Mr Mercer – who did three tours of Afghanistan – told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The Chief Whip agrees with me that this behaviour is unacceptable, that he is the Government’s Chief Whip, and that the behaviour of the Whips’ Office is his responsibility.
‘I have left him in no doubt that I expect this individual to have the integrity to come forward of his own accord.’
He added: ‘I am actually pleased this has happened to me. I am tired of seeing colleagues treated in this way, who when I ask to intervene seem oddly fearful of the Whips’ Office and ask me not to.
‘So I’m pleased I have this opportunity to put a firm marker in the sand that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable in a modern Conservative Party.
‘Parliament is in need of serious reform. I can’t just keep saying that and not call it out when this sort of thing happens.’
Mr Mercer also denied he was eyeing up a push for the top job, saying: ‘No 10’s idea I am running a leadership campaign is a joke. I must be the only Tory MP who hasn’t actually asked a single colleague to vote for them.
‘We’ve got a national crisis to sort out; the public do not look fondly on those more preoccupied with their personal ambitions at this time.’
The row came as unsubstantiated rumours circulated in Westminster that one major Cabinet frontrunner was having an affair.
However, allies of the Minister say the claims pushed by MPs were ‘nonsense’.