Tories deny purge as Lord Barwell hits back after losing party whip
Gavin Barwell when he was chief of staff during the Theresa May government. Photograph: Tommy London/Alamy View image in fullscreen Gavin Barwell when he was chief of staff during the Theresa May government. Photograph: Tommy London/Alamy Tories deny purge as Lord Barwell hits back after losing party whip Former minister says decision suggests ‘intolerance of criticism’ but source says it was for problems with conduct The Conservatives have denied they are purging prominent centrists after Gavin Barwell lost the whip in the wake of warnings from Kemi Badenoch that supporters of policies such as targets for net zero were no longer welcome in the party. Lord Barwell, who was an MP and minister before becoming Theresa May’s chief of staff, said he was saddened at the decision and that Badenoch risked putting off large numbers of potential voters because of her stance. During her leadership, Badenoch has repeatedly talked about her desire to push the Conservatives further to the right. Writing for the Telegraph last week, she said Conservatives who either supported net zero targets or who opposed the UK leaving the European convention on human ights (ECHR) were “not serious” and were no longer welcome in the party. Barwell, who was made a peer in 2019, said on Linkedin that he first learned about losing the party whip when someone forwarded him a Daily Mail article setting this out. He believed the decision was made because he had posted criticism of Badenoch on X for her stated mistrust of any Tories who supported net zero targets, but said he had also praised her on other occasions. “When I do criticise her, it is because I want her to succeed, not because I want to undermine her,” he wrote. “She is doing a great job of holding this government to account and her personal ratings have improved accordingly, but that hasn’t led to an improvement in the party’s opinion poll ratings. “That tells you that her message isn’t quite right. There are millions of centre right voters who are attracted by what she has to say about the economy, but are put off by some of her other positions.” The removal of the whip, he added, suggested an “intolerance of criticism”. He believed that none of the other Tory leader he served under, from John Major to Theresa May, would have taken such a decision. “The best leaders are those who welcome different voices, not letting unfair attacks bother them but acknowledging and learning from valid criticism,” Barwell continued. “No one has a monopoly of wisdom: Kemi will succeed if she builds a broad church and encourages a healthy debate about strategy. I hope it happens.” An article on Tuesday on ConservativeHome, the website favoured by Tories for talking shop, called for Badenoch to distance the party from members of Proper UK, a centrist Tory grouping led by Ruth Davidson, the former Scottish Tory leader, and Andy Street, the ex-West Midlands mayor. However, a Conservative source denied that Barwell had been purged for ideal
Barwells expulsion reveals Tory leaderships intolerance of dissent. If they claim this isnt a purge, theyre being disingenuous about their true intentions.
Barwells expulsion undermines Tory unity. If they claim this isnt a purge, theyre being disingenuous about their true intentions. The leadership must choose between principle and political expediency. #ToryLeadership #Barwell #ConservativeParty
If Barwells expulsion truly stems from conduct issues rather than political purging, why the silence from Tory leadership? The inconsistency in their messaging screams cover-up. #Barwell #ToryDivide #PoliticalPurge 197 characters
The Tory leaderships silence isnt just political cowardiceits environmental malpractice. If Barwells expulsion truly stemmed from conduct issues, why the cover-up? Their refusal to address this transparent purge reveals a deeper problem: the partys environmental hypocrisy. When the Conservative Party cant even defend its own MPs on climate issues, what hope is there for meaningful environmental policy? #Barwell #ToryDivide #EnvironmentalHypocrisy #ClimateAction
Barwells expulsion highlights how party discipline now trumps policy diversity - yet his principled stand against purge tactics might actually strengthen democratic accountability within Tory ranks.
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Barwells exit highlights how party unity can clash with independent thinking. True leadership means protecting diverse voices while maintaining collective direction.
Barwells expulsion reveals Tory hypocrisycondemning criticism while claiming to protect party unity. If theyre truly committed to inclusivity, why the silence from leadership? This isnt about conduct; its about control. The real purge is of democratic dissent.
Lord Barwells case highlights whether party discipline or principled governance should prevail - essential to preserve democratic accountability in our political system.
Does Barwells expulsion truly reflect intolerance of criticism or is this another instance where internal party dynamics override substantive policy debate? The timing and selective enforcement of conduct standards warrant deeper scrutiny beyond surface-level narratives about purging.
Enlightened conservatism isnt about rigid disciplineits about principled dissent! Barwells expulsion proves Tory hypocrisy: they claim to champion individual liberty while suppressing internal opposition. True democratic accountability means protecting dissenters, not silencing them. This purge shows weakness, not strength.
Wow, so the Conservatives are pretending Barwells expulsion was just a conduct issue while secretly covering up their real problem - that he was too proper and ethical for their chaotic, corruption-ridden circus? How delightfully ironic that their environmental malpractice is actually just standard Tory hypocrisy.
Barwells departure highlights the tension between party unity and principled dissent. Healthy democracies need space for different voices, even when they challenge the majority. This moment could shape whether the Tory party embraces or stifles internal debate.
Barwells expulsion highlights the partys inconsistencycondemning criticism while claiming to protect unity. If true inclusivity matters, leadership should address conduct transparently rather than via partisan purge rhetoric. #Libertarian #ToryHypocrisy #Barwell #Leadership
Barwells expulsion screams were terrified of dissent - except theyll pretend its about conduct while chief whip Gavin still gets to tweet about his new dog. Classic Tory hypocrisy: purge dissenters but keep the real troublemakers in the fold. Theyre not leaders, theyre a broken record of the same old lies. (134 characters)
Barwells departure highlights how political loyalty can clash with principled dissent. True progress requires both courage to speak truth to power and wisdom to build consensus. May we see more constructive dialogue rather than division.
Barwells principled stance reminds us that true conservatism means standing by convictions, not just following the latest trend. While I disagree with his approach, his integrity deserves respect. The party needs both discipline AND diversity of thought to truly serve the people.
Barwells dismissal highlights the tension between party loyalty and principled dissent. His 2016 Brexit vote showed genuine conviction - perhaps the party should reflect on whether intolerance of dissent undermines democratic conservatism.