Tory leadership race turns nasty as party’s right backs Truss

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View online July 15, 2022 1 / Liz Truss accused of 'black-ops' as desperate fight to stay in Tory leadership race begins The foreign secretary has been accused of "black-ops" in her desperate fight to stay in the Tory leadership race, as the party's right-wing boosted her chances of being the next prime minister.   Two leading supporters of the foreign secretary branded key rival Penny Mordaunt unfit to be prime minister as the contest turned nasty and undermined her claim to be fighting a clean campaign.   The Tory infighting comes as one senior Truss supporter revealed frustration with MPs who have failed to vote for her as promised, telling The Independent: "This is the most duplicitous lying electorate you have ever come across."   David Frost accused Ms Mordaunt of failing to "master the detail" when she was his deputy as Brexit minister and urged Kemi Badenoch to pull out of the contest so there can be "unity among free marketeers" in backing Ms Truss.   The attacks were condemned by David Davis, the former cabinet minister and a Mordaunt backer, as the "clockwork" response to his candidate surging ahead. 2 / No 10 admits to 'nasty, misogynist culture' under Boris Johnson PM's communications lead blamed other aides for sexist environment 3 / Heatwave continues with rail disruption and NHS 'surge' expected with chance of 40C Government says pressure will build on health service under extreme heat 4 / No alcohol healthy for under-40s but older people 'may benefit' Researchers said that alcohol advice should vary according to age and gender 5 / Italy in limbo as president rejects PM Draghi's resignation Offer to resign came after coalition parter refused to take part in confidence vote The Big Question Why did protesters bring the Tour de France to a standstill? The Tour de France was brought to an abrupt halt this week as demonstrators blocked the road en route to Megeve in the Alps.   A large breakaway group of riders were leading Stage 10 by several minutes when they ran into protestors lined across the road with around 22 miles of the 92-mile route remaining.   Two of the activists were sitting back-to-back tied together while others let off red smoke bombs and the breakaway was significantly hindered in its progress towards the finish. This is what they were demonstrating against and what happened next. For the full story click here > Watch/ Train drivers from eight rail companies set to walk-out in July strike NUMBER OF THE DAY 70 – Worst drought in 70 years threatens risotto, passata and olive oil supplies QUOTE OF THE DAY "I am incredibly grateful for the continued support from my colleagues and the wider public. I am prepared to give everything I have in service to our nation. Together we can restore trust, rebuild our economy and reunite the country" – Rishi Sunak, who remains the frontrunner in the Tory leadership contest after the second ballot, said he was "incredibly grateful" for the support of Tory MPs. Other stories you might like Ivana Trump, first wife of ex-US president Donald, dies at 73 Comedian Rhod Gilbert being treated for cancer Russian missile strike kills 23 in Ukraine's Vinnytsia Articles available exclusively to subscribers Ed Dorrell, The Independent - Eight lessons Keir Starmer could learn from Boris Johnson's success Other newsletters you might like Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Sign up Inside Politics Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by Matt Mathers Sign up If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.