Robert Jenrick was today accused of ‘misappropriating’ a photo of Penny Mordaunt to make it look like she is backing him for Tory leader.
Mr Jenrick accompanied the image on Instagram yesterday with a message pledging to bring ‘unity’ and use talent such as Ms Mordaunt and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
But the former Commons Leader has made clear that she did not give permission for the picture – and will not be supporting either candidate.
The manoeuvring came as the struggle for the Conservative crown creeps towards its conclusion, with party members voting to decide between Mr Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch.
A Badenoch supporter swiped that Ms Mordaunt ‘deserved better’ than to be used as a campaign tool by Mr Jenrick.
The contenders are due to face off in a GB News debate on Thursday, before another clash on the BBC next week. The result is due to be announced on November 2 – after the crucial Budget and just before the US election.
Robert Jenrick accompanied an image on Instagram yesterday with a message pledging to bring ‘unity’ and use talent such as Penny Mordaunt and Jacob Rees-Mogg
In his Instagram post, Mr Jenrick said: ‘I offer the vision of unity for our Conservative Party to tackle the big challenges — from migration to the economy and the NHS.
‘As leader, I will bring our party back together, with @conservatives like @pennymordauntofficial and @jacob_rees_mogg, to form the strong, united opposition that Britain deserves.’
He linked to a ConservativeHome article in which he insisted he ‘wants our best players outside of Parliament fighting for us, too’.
‘That’s why I’d appoint Jacob Rees Mogg Conservative Party chairman, tasked with putting the party back in the service of its members,’ Mr Jenrick wrote.
‘And why as soon as possible we would bring back great campaigners like Penny Mordaunt to the frontline of Conservative politics, either via a by-election if she was willing, or in leading a campaign against Labour.
‘Penny is a Conservative star who, like many good colleagues, was unseated at the last election through no fault of her own.
The manoeuvring came as the struggle for the Conservative crown creeps towards its conclusion, with party members voting to decide between Mr Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch (pictured)
A Jenrick campaign source insisted there was no problem with the message
‘She must have a place at the heart of our party in the years ahead – taking the fight to Labour.’
However, Ms Mordaunt told the Telegraph that she was not backing any candidate and had not been consulted about the picture, saying: ‘Permission was not sought.’
The former Portsmouth North MP has apparently been asked to do a review by interim Tory chair Richard Fuller, which requires her to stay impartial.
A Jenrick campaign source insisted there was no problem with the message.
‘The post didn’t suggest endorsement,’ the source said.
But one Badenoch supporter said: ‘Penny is a titan of our party and if the election hadn’t been such a disaster she’d be among the favourites for this leadership contest.
‘However if Penny is not going to endorse a candidate, she deserves better than someone misappropriating her image as if she has lent her support.’