A TORY MP has received an apology from the Government’s chief whip after it was alleged they asked his ex-army colleagues for dirt on him.
Johnny Mercer said three people he knows were tapped up for information about him – and was told to “watch your back” by a pal.
PA:Press Association
The rising star tweeted a message he’d got from the mate which said: “By the way, the whips office was trying to tap me up for dirt on you.
“Obviously I have none anyway, but I told him to f**k off regardless. I guess maybe watch your back a little bit.”
It was alleged the move came from deputy Chief Whip, Chris Pincher.
Ex-army officer Mr Mercer said: “Contrast the values and ethos of that institution vs Parliament, and you’ll start to find answers of how we got the UK politically into such a mess.
“Values, integrity, ethos – never been more important, or more scarce.”
Today he got a “full and unreserved apology” from the Chief Whip.
Fellow Tory colleague Tom Tugenhat claimed he’d had a similar experience.
“I’m hearing from mates that someone is looking for dirt on me,” he tweeted.
“They should just have the integrity to ask me direct.”
Both are considered rising stars in the Tory party and could run to replace Theresa May.
She’s said she will stand down when she gets her Brexit deal through, but has not yet revealed a date for her departure.
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