The number of MPs calling for Liz Truss to quit has been growing, though far more are prepared to say so behind closed doors. Here are the MPs who have said publicly that the Conservative party needs a change of leader. Crispin Blunt “The game is up,” Blunt told Channel 4’s Andrew Neil Show. “I would be very, very surprised if there are people dying in a ditch to keep Liz Truss as our prime minister.” On his website, Blunt has called for Jeremy Hunt to take over as prime minister. Andrew Bridgen Bridgen, who has sent letters of no confidence for all of the previous prime ministers since 2010, told the Telegraph: “We cannot carry on like this. Our country, its people and our party deserve better.” Jamie Wallis The MP for Newport tweeted: “In recent weeks, I have watched as the government has undermined Britain’s economic credibility and fractured our party irreparably. Enough is enough. I have written to the prime minister to ask her to stand down as she no longer holds the confidence of this country.”
Angela Richardson A former parliamentary private secretary, Richardson told Times Radio Truss was to blame for the economic turmoil. “We saw those unfunded tax cuts. Had that not happened, the markets would not have responded in the way that they did … that’s 100% down to the prime minister, I’m afraid. And so I just don’t think that it’s tenable that she can stay in her position any longer.” Charles Walker The veteran Tory MP who previously held a senior role in the 1922 Committee went viral with a tirade against his colleagues who had voted for Truss. “I’m livid and, you know, I really shouldn’t say this but I hope all those people that put Liz Truss in No 10 – I hope it was worth it,” he told the BBC. “I hope it was worth it for the ministerial red box. I hope it was worth it to sit around the cabinet table, because the damage they have done to our party is extraordinary.”
William Wragg Wragg revealed he had submitted a letter of no confidence as part of an explanation as to why he did not want to lose the whip as an MP by voting against the government. “If I vote as I would wish, then I would lose the whip …. And indeed, because of that, my letter lodged with [Sir Graham Brady] would fall, and I wish to maintain that letter with my honourable friend.” Gary Streeter The MP for South West Devon said a change was needed but warned there must be fresh party unity. He tweeted: “Sadly, it seems we must change leader BUT even if the angel Gabriel now takes over, the parliamentary party has to urgently rediscover discipline, mutual respect and teamwork if we are to (i) govern the UK well and (ii) avoid slaughter at the next election.”
Sheryll Murray Murray backed Truss for the leadership but said she agreed it had been a failure. “I had high hopes for Liz Truss but after what happened last night her position has become untenable and I have submitted a letter to Sir Graham Brady,” she tweeted. Steve Double The MP has raised a number of objections over the past few weeks about Truss’s mini-budget and plans for potential cuts to benefits or pensions. He told his local BBC station: “I’m afraid the conclusion from the events of yesterday evening is that clearly she has lost control of the government and I think she does need to do the right thing and step aside. The game is up. She’s been given the opportunity and things are getting worse not better.” Henry Smith The Crawley MP told Times Radio. “We need new leadership … I’m afraid I’m very sorry to say that has been distinctly lacking from Downing Street in the last several weeks.” Matthew Offord Offord told the Evening Standard the cabinet should find a way for Truss to step aside: “I can’t see the situation being sustainable. She does need to sit down and discuss it with her cabinet and with others to manage some kind of dignified exit.” Miriam Cates Cates backed Suella Braverman for the leadership in the 2022 leadership election but then declined to support either candidate. She told Times Radio: “It seems untenable … and yes, I do think it’s time for the prime minister to go.”