Penny Mordaunt’s allies say Downing Street is retaining her ‘in a field’

Penny Mordaunt‘s allies are furious she is being ‘kept in a box’ in the election campaign.

They have pointed to Rishi Sunak‘s National Service policy – which Ms Mordaunt backed when it was floated by a think-tank – and asked why she wasn’t asked to front it with videos and television appearances.

Home Secretary James Cleverly was sent on the broadcast round last weekend to sell the plans, while Mr Sunak released a TikTok video. 

Several MPs privately said this was ‘flat’ and asked why Ms Mordaunt was not asked to record it, as she ‘could sell it’. This builds on concerns for months from her allies that Mr Sunak’s team see her as a threat.

Last night one veteran Tory said Ms Mordaunt should be ‘front and centre’ of the election campaign. Insiders argue she is best placed to bring back disgruntled Tories and fight off the threat of Reform.

Penny Mordaunt’s allies are furious she is being ‘kept in a box’ in the election campaign

Home Secretary James Cleverly was sent on the broadcast round last weekend to sell the plans for National Service 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak walks on Blyth Beach on June 1

A Conservative Party source rejected claims Ms Mordaunt was being intentionally not used and said they hoped to have her on the airwaves soon.

A source close to Ms Mordaunt said: ‘Penny is most definitely involved and is in close contact with Rishi.

‘She’s been busy campaigning in Portsmouth North this week, but is looking forward to getting the Conservative message out.’