RISHI SUNAK has been left looking “weak” despite finally sacking Nadhim Zahawi, Michael Portillo has said.
The former Tory Minister told GB News the scandal relating to Mr Zahawi had been toxic and hugely damaging to the Conservatives.
And he warned more trouble could be ahead with the ongoing probe into the Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab.
Speaking to Camilla Tominey Today, Mr Portillo said: “I think it’s a terrific blow against the government and against the Prime Minister. I think Nadhim did distinguished work, for example, during the vaccinations campaign. But people hate the idea of a senior minister who is filthy rich, not paying the taxes up front. This is extremely toxic with the public.
“The second thing about this is that obviously Rishi has been accused by some people of pursuing natural justice too far, and that he wanted to go through all the proper processes. In a way this is very commendable. But this thing has been in the headlines now for days and days and days and it’s been doing terrible damage to the government. And to him and to the party. I think he did have an opportunity to get rid of him earlier. So I think the Prime Minister will face some criticism for having taken so long it’s been fortunate
“It pains me to say this, but I think on the whole it makes Rishi look weak. I think he must have been kicking himself all week that he decided to refer this to an investigation rather than going with a decision straight away?”
Mr Zahawi’s sacking leaves a vacancy in the key role as Tory chairman. But Mr Portillo said the party should resist the temptation of bringing back Boris Johnson.
He said: “First of all, he’s an election winner and he’s proved that. But let’s remember he is still embroiled in a number of difficult situations. There is no doubt at all that he would overshadow the Prime Minister. So for that reason I’d say absolutely not.”
On the ongoing probe into Dominic Raab, Mr Portillo added: “The more details that have come to light, it doesn’t look good for him at all.”
