Oliver Dowden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday this morning as turmoil continues to plague the Tory party.
Today, Rishi Sunak is facing calls to sack minister Gavin Williamson.
Sir Jake Berry, the former chairman of the Conservative Party, claims he told Mr Sunak a bullying complaint had been made against Mr Williamson days before he appointed him to the job.
Messages were shared overnight alleging to be from Mr Williamson, relating to the fact he had not been invited to the funeral of the Queen.
Asked about this, Mr Dowden says these messages were sent “in the heat of the moment, expressing frustration”.
“I think he now accepts that he shouldn’t have done it and he regrets doing so,” he said. “That’s right, and thankfully we’re in a better place now as a party.”
Mr Dowden said Mr Sunak continues to have confidence in Mr Williamson as a minister.
He added that the PM was aware “there was a difficult relationship with backbenchers and chief whip”.
However, Mr Dowden claims he was not aware of these specific messages “until they were leaked to newspapers last night”.
Mr Dowden adds that Mr Williamson “played a big part in the Conservative Party,” adding he thinks it is right he “should be a part” of Mr Sunak’s team.
Source: BBC