Nadine Dorries’ departure is relief for Sunak but byelection holds danger
The Guardian says Rishi Sunak’s relief that Nadine Dorries is finally standing down as an MP has been tempered by fears of a difficult byelection ahead and anger among Conservative backbenchers that her angry outbursts will end up on Labour’s general election leaflets.
The former cabinet minister and Boris Johnson loyalist resigned her Commons seat of Mid Bedfordshire on Saturday, accusing the prime minister of betraying Tory principles and telling him: “History will not judge you kindly.”
Her resignation means the government faces yet another challenging contest this autumn in what should be an ultra-safe seat. If Labour can overturn the 24,664 majority, it would represent the largest collapse in support for the Conservatives in byelection history.