Tory coup planned to topple Rishi Sunak within days after expected drubbing at local elections
TORY mutineers will make a final bid to topple Rishi Sunak within days after an expected drubbing in this week’s local elections.
A coup is planned amid fears Labour could win three elections in a row.
Rebel MPs will hold talks over the May Day Bank Holiday — having devised a five-point plan for a successor as PM to deploy in a 100-day policy blitz.
Popular measures would include reducing legal migration, cutting the benefits bill and an attempt to end the junior doctors’ pay dispute.
A Tory rebel source said: “No more tinkering, dithering or managerialism. We’ve got to be clear and bold, and with the right messenger.
“Otherwise, it could be two or three terms of Labour.”
One rebel plan under consideration is a “coronation” for leadership contender Penny Mordaunt, with jobs for Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick.
But Ms Mordaunt has insisted there should be “no parliamentary gymnastics”.
Senior Tories believe the rebels are not near the 52 letters required to force a confidence vote — but that could change after the local elections.
A government source said: “The Prime Minister is focused on delivering for people across the country.”
Meanwhile, Mr Sunak, in a Sky News interview, refused to rule out a July election, with a preferred option towards the end of the year.