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Naughty Tories quaff champagne rather than campaign

Tory whips have been haranguing backbenchers and ministers to campaign ahead of the European Elections and the Newark by-election. They have been keeping extensive lists of who is pulling their weight. Ever helpful, Mr S thought he would draw up a little list of his own. These Tory MPs were sipping champagne with Thatcher’s PR man Lord Bell at Bell Pottinger’s plush summer bash at Spencer House last night instead of canvassing for votes:

Davis, D
Duncan, A
Duncan Smith, I
Field, M
Green, D
Hancock, M
Lidington, D
Lilley, P
Luff, P
McLoughlin, P
Menzies, M
Mitchell, A
Wharton, J

Black marks all round.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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