'Evil plotters' group claim 'is silly gossip'

AN ally of Kemi Badenoch has insisted claims that she is a member of a WhatsApp group titled “Evil Plotters”, despite telling Tory rebels to back Rishi Sunak, is “all just silly gossip”.

Housing minister Lee Rowley described allegations that he is unofficially still operating as the Business Secretary’s campaign manager as a “self-indulgent conspiracy”.

Ms Badenoch, seen as one of the most popular Cabinet members with the party membership, has publicly criticised Conservative plotters for “stirring” by suggesting she could replace the Prime Minister.

But the Guardian has reported that she and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove have messaged in recent weeks on the Evil Plotters messaging group.

Ms Badenoch was also said to have been holding regular lunches with key backers, including Mr Rowley and other ministers.