In for a Penny, in for a pound(ing). Poor old Penny Mordaunt has endured a torrid few days in the leadership race. Since becoming the bookies’ favourite on Wednesday, the Portsmouth MP has faced a barrage of criticism from rival ministers about her record in government and views on past issues. Much of this has focused on her advocacy for trans rights but now there are questions about her work ethic in government too.
On Thursday, it was Lord Frost, who worked alongside Mordaunt on the Brexit negotiations. He claimed ‘she wasn’t always visible’ and ‘sometimes I didn’t even know where she was.’ Then on Friday, it was Lord Moylan, who hired (and fired) her at Kensington council, claiming she was sacked because ‘she was incompetent… she couldn’t do the job.’ And now, on Monday, it’s Anne Marie Trevelyan, the incumbent Trade secretary who claims Mordaunt, her junior, is not up to the job.
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