Rory Stewart is emerging as something of a dark horse in the Tory leadership contest. But while the international development secretary is an impressive candidate he is not immune to making a mishap. Richard Madeley reminded him this morning of a particular low point for Stewart: his made-up ‘fact’ about Brexit –that 80 per cent of people backed Theresa May’s deal – during a radio interview last year:
RM: Why did you say that?
RS: It was a weird thing to say. It was straight after it was announced, and I wanted to say that I felt the vast majority of the country were in the centre ground and I couldn’t have been more wrong. Actually as soon as I said it, I apologised 15 seconds later.
Mr S admires Stewart’s ability to say sorry but wonders if his loyalty to May’s deal might end up counting against him…
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in