Labour’s Phillipson Calls for Truss’s Expulsion from Tories Over Robinson Support

On September 22, 2023, Labour’s Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, urged Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to expel former Prime Minister Liz Truss from the Conservative Party. This demand followed Truss’s recent defense of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, reigniting discussions regarding the standards of political conduct within the UK’s major parties.

Phillipson’s letter, which she shared on social media platform X, criticized Truss for her comments on Robinson, who was jailed in 2018 for contempt related to false claims regarding Syrian refugees. In her letter, Phillipson stated, “Your revolting support for Tommy Robinson just underlines that. Time for Kemi Badenoch to find the guts to kick Liz Truss out of the Tory party.” She accused Truss of having “plumbed new depths” by suggesting that Robinson had been “unfairly demonised” for raising issues about grooming gangs.

The timing of this confrontation is crucial, as Truss’s brief premiership left deep economic challenges, with Phillipson outlining how her policies contributed to rising mortgages and a significant deficit in public finances. “You weren’t fit to be Prime Minister,” Phillipson stated, highlighting the long-term consequences of Truss’s economic decisions.

Phillipson’s call for action comes at a time when the Conservative Party is facing internal strife following a disappointing election performance. The letter serves as a stark reminder of the party’s struggle to distance itself from extremist elements within its ranks. Phillipson warned that the Tories risk “pandering to bigots and racists” under Badenoch’s leadership.

In a public response, Phillipson emphasized the contrast between Labour’s stance and the Conservatives’ perceived tolerance for extremist views. The Labour deputy leadership hopeful’s remarks drew attention from various media outlets and political commentators. Broadcaster Narinder Kaur remarked on X, stating, “Bridget Phillipson just wrote a savage letter…”

Truss, in her defense during an interview with Newsweek, stated, “I think it is correct that Tommy Robinson drew attention to a problem and a heinous issue that has been brushed under the carpet by many people.” She acknowledged a “double standard” in media coverage regarding exploitation scandals, further complicating her position within the party.

The controversy intensified with mixed reactions online. Some users supported Truss, while others condemned her for her alignment with Robinson. Former aide Gavin Barwell tweeted that Rishi Sunak should have previously expelled Truss, reinforcing the call for Badenoch to take decisive action now.

As the debate unfolds, it reflects the broader challenges facing the Conservative Party in 2025. The party’s navigation through infighting and its approach to far-right sentiments will be crucial as it seeks to redefine its identity in the wake of economic turmoil and changing public sentiments.

Badenoch has yet to publicly respond to Phillipson’s demands as of the latest updates. The situation continues to develop, with implications for the future of both the Conservative and Labour parties as they grapple with issues of extremism and party integrity.