Tory Big Beast's Loyalty
Lee Anderson, the Conservative MP for Ashfield, has publicly spoken for the first time about being offered a £400,000 package to defect to Reform. Anderson, who recently quit as deputy party chairman to rebel over the Rwanda bill, has urged fellow Tories to unite and stick with Rishi Sunak.
Choosing the Common Enemy
Anderson emphasized that the Labour Party is the common enemy and that Tories must stand together. He stated, "It's a binary choice between us and the Labour Party. It has got to stick with Rishi — of course it has."
Rebellion and Unity
Anderson had rebelled just 12 days ago, causing a major blow to No10 and fueling talk of plots to topple Rishi Sunak. However, he now urges MPs to get behind the party and accept defeat. He said, "When the amendments were defeated, you sort of have to accept that they are right and you're wrong. That's democracy in action within Parliament. You've had your little moment."
Not Hanging Around No10
While No10 has hinted at accepting Anderson back as deputy chairman in the future, he has no intention of pursuing the position. He stated, "I'm not the sort of man who's gonna be hanging around the gates at No 10 and pressing my head against the window, looking tearful and sad, and saying, 'Please give him a job back', because I'm not — because I've got a job here, representing Ashfield."
From Labour to Tory
Lee Anderson, dubbed the Red Wall Rottweiler for his outspoken views, was once a coal miner and a member of the National Union of Mineworkers. He defected to the Tories after Jeremy Corbyn took over the Labour Party. Reflecting on his time with Labour, he said, "I was in an abusive relationship with the Labour Party for many, many years. They didn't want me anymore. Ultimately, I had to leave."
Rejecting Reform
Anderson revealed that he was offered a job with Nigel Farage's Reform UK party around 18 months ago. However, he turned down the offer, stating, "The Conservative Party…has been loyal to me. Why would I turn my back on it?" He also dismissed the idea of a Farage comeback, questioning whether Farage would want to be an MP and deal with mundane issues.
Sharp Criticism for Labour
Anderson saved his strongest criticism for the Labour Party, stating that most Labour MPs wouldn't get a job in a chip shop. He also criticized Sir Keir Starmer, saying, "We don't know what he stands for — nobody does. Even he doesn't." Anderson described Starmer as bland and questioned whether anyone would want to have a pint with him.
Rishi Sunak Passes the Test
Contrasting Starmer with Sunak, Anderson said that if he had to leave his business and let someone look after it, he would trust Sunak to ensure its success. He stated, "If you let Rishi look after it you would probably come back and business would be flourishing. Your family would be safe. And all the books would tally."
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