Tory plotters warn Rishi Sunak is “not safe” as they prepare to seize on by-election defeats to launch fresh onslaught
ANTI Rishi plotters have warned the PM “is not safe” as they prepare to launch a fresh offensive to destabilise him.
The Tories are set to suffer a double by-election defeat on Thursday.
Gloomy stats out the same day are expected to show the UK entered a recession late last year.
Plotters are poised to seize on the double whammy to raise fresh questions about Rishi’s leadership.
A source close to the rebel camp said: “Rishi Sunak is going to have a rough ride next week – economic data could show we are in recession and he could lose two by-elections.
“If this happens, you can expect to see the knives come out and the grid of sh*t make a comeback.
“The PM still is not safe.”
It comes as a new Opinium poll puts Labour 18 points ahead – up from 16 two weeks ago.
Earlier this week, Michael Gove was sent out to rally the Tory troops and insist they can still clinch victory .
The Cabinet big beast gave a tub thumping speed to Tory special advisers, urging them to take inspiration from the Brexit campaign in trying to turn the tide.
He warned them it is “rubbish” being in opposition and said they can still turn things around.
One staffer there said: “He said the campaign to leave the EU was way behind in the polls originally and then went on to win.”
Meanwhile, Tory big beast Lee Anderson also put on a display of unity.
He headed to Kingswood on the outskirts of Bristol to campaign in the by-election for the Conservative candidate.
He boarded a London red double decker bus to make the trip – in a swipe at the Labour candidate Damien Egan who quit as mayor of Lewisham to run in the Gloucestershire seat where he grew up.
The former Tory deputy chairman told the Sun on Sunday: “If Labour haven’t got a local candidate that is good enough to represent Kingswood it just shows they aren’t bothered about the area.
“They just parachute someone in who left the area donkey’s years ago.
“They are a London party full of political opportunists – political vultures swirling around looking for a seat to grab.”