Red Wall Tory Dehenna Davison dismisses Boris Johnson coup claims as ‘bonkers’

A prominent “Red Wall” Tory MP dismissed on Thursday as “bonkers” that she was leading a coup against Boris Johnson but suggested his future was still in doubt.

Dehenna Davison, MP for Bishop Auckland, a seat the Conservatives had never won before 2019, stressed she was “incredibly angry” about the Downing Street parties and the Prime Minister’s response.

She told the Northern Echo: “It will be for the Prime Minister himself, or the Conservative Party collectively, to decide the Prime Minister’s future.

“Of course, I have had a number of conversations with colleagues about this, as is the case with every political development, be it policy based or otherwise, but to suggest I’m leading a coup is bonkers.”

Ms Davison has been accused of being part of the “Pork Pie plot” against Mr Johnson, named as it allegedly involved Melton Mowbray MP Alicia Kearns.

The Bishop Auckland MP added: “My priority is to help restore integrity in politics, and restore people’s faith in politicians.

“Now more than ever we need to ensure the Government is focused on tackling the challenges our country is facing, and on delivering real positive change in people’s lives.”

Loyalist MPs have dismissed 2019 rebels against Mr Johnson as “kids”, arguing they won their seats on his “stardust”.