Tory MPs in Uproar over 'Bent' Election for 1922 Committee Chair

The Conservative Party is embroiled in a bitter internal dispute following the controversial election of the new chair of the influential 1922 Committee. Just days after the party's defeat in the general election, tensions are running high as accusations of manipulation and incompetence mar the process.

Several prominent Tory MPs, including former minister Mark Francois, have alleged that the election was "bent" and that the 1922 Committee's competence has reached an all-time low. They claim that they were denied the opportunity to vote, despite being informed that voting would be open between 5 and 6 pm. Upon arrival, they were told that voting had closed at 5:30 pm, disenfranchising a significant number of potential voters.

This incident has sparked outrage among many Tory MPs, who believe that the election was rigged to favor a specific candidate. They point to the fact that Bob Blackman, the newly elected chair, would have likely lost had everyone been able to vote. This has led to comparisons with Nadine Dorries' book "The Plot," which alleged a secret internal push to oust Boris Johnson as Prime Minister.

The controversy surrounding the 1922 Committee election comes at a critical time for the Conservative Party, as they grapple with the aftermath of their electoral defeat and the need to choose a new leader. The current situation has further divided the party and raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the leadership selection process.

Adding to the turmoil, thousands of Tory members have signed a petition demanding a rule change that would give them a greater say in choosing the next leader. This proposal has been met with resistance from some MPs who believe that the decision should be left solely to Parliament.

As the Conservative Party navigates this turbulent period, the question of who will replace Rishi Sunak and how they will be chosen remains unanswered. The "bent" election for the 1922 Committee chair has cast a shadow over the leadership selection process, raising concerns about potential manipulation and disenfranchisement. Only time will tell how the party will resolve this internal conflict and move forward.