Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether Robert Jenrick would make a superior party leader compared to Kemi Badenoch during an appearance on GB News.
When presenter Camilla Tominey pressed him on whether the shadow justice secretary would perform better than the current Conservative leader, Mr Rosindell deflected multiple times.
The Romford MP initially responded to queries about Mr Jenrick’s effectiveness by stating that Ms Badenoch had not been absent from public view and had been addressing various gatherings nationwide.
However, when Ms Tominey persisted with her questioning about comparative leadership abilities, Mr Rosindell avoided providing a direct response.
“It’s amazing what he’s doing. He’s raising so many topics,” Mr Rosindell told GB News, whilst still refusing to make direct comparisons with Ms Badenoch’s performance.
The MP’s reluctance to address the leadership comparison continued as the interview progressed.
Rather than answering whether Mr Jenrick would excel in the top position, Mr Rosindell opted to discuss the Conservative Party’s need for comprehensive improvement.
His responses came as speculation continues about potential challenges to Mr Badenoch’s leadership of the opposition party.
The discussion took place whilst addressing recent visits to Calais by Mr Jenrick and shadow home secretary Chris Philp to examine the migrant situation firsthand.
Mr Rosindell defended these Channel crossings as legitimate efforts to understand the crisis, stating that “at least Robert Jenrick is speaking up for what most British people are thinking.”
Camilla questioned whether Mr Jenrick’s actions, including making live telephone calls to French authorities requesting arrests of migrants boarding dinghies, constituted political stunts.
The trips have generated significant media attention, with both shadow ministers reporting confrontations during their visits to migrant camps.
Mr Philp claimed migrants threatened him with a machete, whilst Mr Jenrick reported being attacked earlier in the week during his own visit to the camps.