Lee Anderson named Tory deputy chair

Talk about a broad church reshuffle. Having appointed the socially liberal London MP Greg Hands as the chairman of the Tory party this morning, this afternoon Rishi Sunak named Red Wall right-winger Lee Anderson as his new deputy too. The move has sparked something of a mixed reaction: his friends in the 2019 intake are delighted while one Tory staffer complained to Mr S that just five years ago he was taking the Labour whip under Jeremy Corbyn.

Anderson’s new gig binds the most vocal Tory critic of small boat crossings to the government’s side, days before the Home Secretary unveils her flagship legislation. He is also popular on the constituency circuit, having spoken to roughly a dozen different associations in 12 months. His posts on the cost of living crisis may divide – Anderson has criticised those earning £30,000 and still using foodbanks – but he is notable for being one of the Conservative MPs willing to suggest budgeting has a role to play in the current financial climate.