Liam Fox has laid bare his frustration at a senior Tory MP causing the party yet another headache.
Rishi Sunak’s woes were compounded in the week when former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore announced his intention to resign, citing his ambition to focus on the UK’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The MP for Kingswood explained in a statement that “Parliamentary boundary changes will result in the Kingswood constituency ceasing to exist”.
According to Liam Fox, sparking a by-election in a seat that will be abolished in a few months is a “slap in the face”.
Liam Fox has hit out at Chris Skidmore
GETTY / GB NEWS
He criticised Skidmore while speaking to Camilla Tominey on GB News.
“If your seat is being abolished in the boundary changes, which Chris Skidmore’s is, and you cause an unnecessary by-election, it’s costing taxpayers’ money”, he said.
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“It’s also a slap in the face to your own party workers who loyally worked to get you elected over the years.
“To your Parliamentary colleagues and the wider party also.
“I think it’s self indulgent and it’s disloyal.”
The Conservative MP also criticised Skidmore’s justification for stepping down.
Rishi Sunak will be dealing with yet another by-election
GB News
Skidmore, a leading voice within the Tory party on green affairs, blasted Rishi Sunak’s bill to allow new oil and gas licences to be issued.
He branded the bill a “tragedy” while accusing the prime minister of committing to an action that is “wrong and will cause future harm”.
Fox said the MP is “wrong on substance”, arguing oil and gas will be required still even as Britain decarbonises.
“Energy security for the country is about ensuring we have sufficient variety of sources”, he said.
“It makes sense to have security of supply. Not to rely on someone else to supply it for us.
“I think that is good governance. The prime minister is right on that.”
Skidmore said in his resignation statement: “This bill would in effect allow more frequent new oil and gas licences and the increased production of new fossil fuels in the North Sea.”
He added: “I can also no longer condone nor continue to support a government that is committed to a course of action that I know is wrong and will cause future harm.
“To fail to act, rather than merely speak out, is to tolerate a status quo that cannot be sustained. I am therefore resigning my party whip and instead intend to be free from any party-political allegiance.”
Chris Skidmore has been contacted for comment.
