‘Rishi is PM toughest on immigration’
RISHI Sunak is taking a tougher line on immigration than any previous prime minister, the Tory Party’s new deputy chairman has said.
Lee Anderson also warned the party must unite to stand any chance at the next election, telling colleagues: “We live and die as a team.”
Mr Sunak’s appointment of Mr Anderson to the senior role has triggered controversy. But the tough-talking Ashfield MP insists the party can win the next election.
He said: “It’s not over. We’ve got a battle on our hands. We live in a great country and it’s a brilliant democracy and it’s up to us to unite and get out there.”
His appointment comes ahead of the May local elections which could heighten pressure on Mr Sunak if the Tories suffer a bad night.
Mr Anderson defends the PM’S record, saying he has taken a tough stance on illegal immigration, and is confident the Government can deliver a breakthrough on stopping small boats crossing the Channel.
He said: “This is one of those clear dividing lines between us and the
Labour Party. I’ve always been of the opinion that if you arrive here illegally you should not be allowed to claim asylum and Rishi agrees.
“This is the toughest stance yet we’ve had from a PM on this issue.”
His support for the death penalty and claims that nurses who earn £30,000 have “something wrong” with their finances if they use food banks have triggered controversy but Mr Anderson has now become a soughtafter speaker at Conservative Party events.
He said: “I was in Taunton earlier this month, I spoke to 250 members. The membership in Taunton are no different to the membership in Ashfield.
“They’ve got different accents and probably work in different jobs but, fundamentally, they are the same.”
The MP, a former miner, has grown used to public rows since entering Parliament. “I always say that my haters are my motivators. My haters are a source of strength to me.”