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Vote Leave exec accuses Alan Duncan of asking for a board position before backing Remain

This week Sir Alan Duncan penned a piece for the Telegraph entitled ‘why this lifelong Eurosceptic is now voting to stay in’. In this, the Conservative MP explained the reasons he is backing Remain. To show how torn he had been over the decision, Duncan revealed that he had even met with Vote Leave ahead of opting to join the In camp:

‘I am one of those who many expected in the referendum campaign to be a fervent advocate of leaving. Until recently I also expected it of myself – even going so far as to speak to the Leave organisers at their HQ.’

However, Vote Leave’s Matthew Elliott has put forward a different version of events. He claims that Duncan actually went a step further than just visiting their offices. Elliott — the campaign group’s Chief Exec — says that during their meeting, Duncan asked for a position on their board:

Alas no such role ever materialised and Duncan is now for Remain. While the Conservative MP stands by his version of events rather than Elliott’s, Mr S will be keeping a close eye on any changes to the Britain Stronger in Europe board on the off chance Duncan goes all the way.

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Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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