Bridget Phillipson Calls for Liz Truss’s Expulsion from Tory Party

On September 22, 2023, Labour’s Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, demanded that Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expel former Prime Minister Liz Truss from the Tory Party. This call for action arose following Truss’s recent defense of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, which has reignited discussions about the standards and direction of the Conservative Party amid ongoing internal conflicts.

Phillipson’s letter to Badenoch criticizes Truss for remarks made regarding Robinson, who was jailed in 2018 for contempt of court related to false claims about Syrian refugees. Truss stated in an interview with Newsweek that Robinson had been “unfairly demonised” for bringing attention to issues surrounding grooming gangs. Phillipson contended that these comments demonstrate a troubling alignment with extremism, stating, “Your revolting support for Tommy Robinson just underlines that.” She urged Badenoch to take decisive action, emphasizing that Truss’s leadership during her short premiership had already caused significant economic turmoil.

During her time in office, Truss’s policies contributed to a financial crisis, which included a stock market crash that adversely affected pensions and mortgage rates. Phillipson highlighted these consequences, stating, “crashing our economy, putting people’s pension provision at risk, sending homeowners’ mortgages soaring, and left a vast black hole in the public finances.” The letter, shared on social media platform X, warns that the Conservative Party risks “pandering to bigots and racists” if they do not distance themselves from Truss.

The political landscape in the UK has become increasingly polarized, and this incident underscores the ongoing struggle within the Conservative Party to navigate its identity. Phillipson’s ultimatum reflects her position as a Labour deputy hopeful, contrasting Labour’s stance on tolerance and inclusivity with what she perceives as the Conservative Party’s acceptance of extremist views.

Responses to this controversy have varied widely. Broadcaster Narinder Kaur remarked on social media about the effectiveness of Phillipson’s letter, stating, “Bridget Phillipson just wrote a savage letter to Kemi Badenoch and took down Liz Truss’ support of Tommy Robinson faster than the lettuce did.” Meanwhile, some supporters of Truss have come to her defense, claiming that her comments are valid and necessary in addressing critical issues.

Badenoch has yet to publicly respond to Phillipson’s demand. However, Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, commented on the matter during an appearance on BBC’s “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,” asserting that Robinson’s actions are “a very long way from the way which I think politics should be conducted.” Former aides and political analysts have also weighed in, with Gavin Barwell suggesting that Truss should have been expelled previously, and that Badenoch should consider taking similar action now.

Debates surrounding this incident have intensified across various platforms, with discussions emerging on forums like Reddit, where users expressed differing views on Truss’s fitness for political office. Some criticized her for perceived hypocrisy regarding her comments, while others defended her actions and questioned the motives behind Phillipson’s demands.

As the Conservative Party approaches the next election in 2025, the implications of this controversy may have significant effects on its internal unity and public perception. The ongoing discussions around extremism, party standards, and leadership will likely shape the party’s direction in the months to come. The situation highlights the delicate balance that Kemi Badenoch must maintain as she navigates the complexities of Tory politics in a time of increasing scrutiny and division.