Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries has said that Liz Truss has “thrown under a bus” her chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng.
It comes after a morning interview in which the prime minister said that Mr Kwarteng made the decision to lower the top, 45%, rate of taxation.
Ms Dorries tweeted: “One of Boris Johnson‘s faults was that he could sometimes be too loyal and he got that.
“However, there is a balance, and throwing your chancellor under a bus on the first day of the conference really isn’t it.”
Using a finger crossed emoji, Ms Dorries said she hoped “things improve and settle down from now”.
One of @BorisJohnson faults was that he could sometimes be too loyal and he got that. However, there is a balance and throwing your Chancellor under a bus on the first day of conference really isn’t it. 🤞 things improve and settle down from now. https://t.co/72cBRWo2c1
— Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) October 2, 2022
Ms Dorries, who left the government when Liz Truss became prime minister, has also given an interview to The Sunday Times, in which she describes Boris Johnson as “one of the world’s best leaders”.
Since the mini-budget, nine days ago, the Conservatives have plummeted in the polls.
A YouGov/Times survey placed Labour 33 points ahead of the Tories.
Ms Dorries reflected: “The day they ousted Boris we were five points behind in the polls, which was actually fantastic.
“To be only five points behind in the polls when you have been in power for 12 years was an incredible place to be.
“Those of us who had been around in politics for more than five minutes knew in the full heat of the general election campaign that would burn away like the June mist on a morning lawn.
“At the time it seemed utterly incomprehensible the position MPs were about to put the government in by removing our most electorally successful prime minister.”