Conservatives still punch-drunk from snap election setback, says Tory MP

THE Conservative Party “still seems punch-drunk” after the snap general election in which it lost its Westminster majority, a Tory MP has said.

Former Army captain Johnny Mercer told the Telegraph the Government was “in danger of losing credibility”.

The June poll saw the Conservatives lose 13 seats.

Two Cabinet ministers have also left their posts in the space of a week, leading to renewed pressure on Prime Minister Theresa May.

Mr Mercer said: “It smells of decline, and the people won’t have it.

“A Corbyn-McDonnell government would fundamentally change Britain and what it means to be British. We would

Johnny Mercer said:

‘It smells of decline.’

not be forgiven as a party for 20 years. We must remain, if nothing else at the moment, credible.”

The 36-year-old, who represents Plymouth Moor View, added he would like

to see fresh blood introduced into the Cabinet – suggesting Mrs May had made a mistake in selecting people to fill senior posts on the basis of appeasing the party. SLEAZE allegations at Westminster and Holyrood risk making politics a “toxic workplace” for women, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has warned.

She said that events of the last few weeks, which have seen government ministers north and south of the Border resign over their previous behaviour, may deter women from running for elected office.

Ms Davidson said all parties must do more to get more women into politics, as she admitted the Tories are “behind the curve” despite having had two female prime ministers.

Ms Davidson has led a Tory revival north of the Border, with her party now