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Joe Vesey-Byrne
Nov 02, 2017
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CARL COURT/GETTY IMAGES
If you want a pithy put down about a Conservative MP, the best person to ask is a Conservative MP.
Gavin Williamson is the new Defence Secretary, promoted from his previous role as the party's disciplinarian, the Chief Whip.
In Summer 2016, Williamson led Theresa May's leadership team in the House of Commons, securing her first place and over half of Conservative MPs in the first round of voting. They also maintaining a crushing lead over Andrea Leadsom in the second round.
Williamson, aged 41, has been an MP since 2010, and his rapid rise the top has been accompanied by something of a reputation.
Following the announcement he was being elevated to such a senior post, journalists began sharing the reactions from anonymous Tory MPs.
Warning: Strong language, and general cattiness follow
Minister tells me: "She's gone mad. It's real 'end of days' stuff. He's [Williamson] a real slimeball, w/ his own leadership team in place"— Paul Waugh (@Paul Waugh) 1509621424
Another minister:" Gavin is an appalling appointment. He's never stepped foot in a dept + now he's running one of the most important"— Paul Waugh (@Paul Waugh) 1509622282
More Williamson backlash. Minister: "It looks like she's a prisoner of the men she's supposed to be leading..She's promoted two grey suits."— Paul Waugh (@Paul Waugh) 1509624961
One minister tells me ‘She is so weak she has let Williamson appoint himself-this is appalling’— Laura Kuenssberg (@Laura Kuenssberg) 1509620636
Another senior Tory says ‘MPs deeply unhappy he has used position of Chief to benefit himself + deserted his post at such a crucial time’— Laura Kuenssberg (@Laura Kuenssberg) 1509621217
Female Tory MP on Gavin Williamson in the tea room: "a self-serving cunt". https://t.co/3jWo9qQjd4— George Eaton (@George Eaton) 1509633771
Text from senior Tory MP about Gavin Williamson: "He's out of the shitstorm. Knifed Fallon and pinched his job. It's way above his ability."— Lewis Goodall (@Lewis Goodall) 1509620506
Most positive response I've had so far from a Tory MP on Gavin Williamson: "He'll be fine."— Lewis Goodall (@Lewis Goodall) 1509626303
"Unbelievable. Ludicrous. Astonishing": one backbench Tory's reaction to May's decision to make Gavin Williamson defence secretary.— Heather Stewart (@Heather Stewart) 1509621063
Tory MP on Gavin Williamson: "When a man keeps a pet tarantula it's because he doesn't have a better story to tell."— Jim Pickard (@Jim Pickard) 1509634891
Tory MP Col Bob Stewart on #WATO on Gavin Williamson appointment as Defence Secretary: "Yes, he won't know much about defence".— Ben Glaze (@Ben Glaze) 1509628255
Senior (& always well informed) Tory MP & ex-minister told me last week that Gavin Williamson "wants to be kingmake… https://t.co/j44ddG0yLD— Jon Craig (@Jon Craig) 1509620062
Minister emerging from Commons tea room describes Gavin Williamson appointment as 'the most unpopular political decision I have ever known'— Jason Groves (@Jason Groves) 1509622089
There was also some on the record subtweeting from Sarah Woolston.
Whether this is sour grapes, or the nature of his previous role as May's enforcer, is unclear.
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