Charlie Elphicke, an executive member of the1922 Committee of backbenchers, criticised MPs whose concerns about the leadership were revealed by the Daily Telegraph earlier today. Mr Elphicke spoke as Downing Street made clear Mr Cameron will not make changes in the face of pressure from the Tory benches.
Mr Elphicke said: “It is not the Prime Minister who needs to get a grip but colleagues on the backbenches who need to realise that government is not a cakewalk’.
“Given the poisonous inheritance from the Labour government, it was never going to be easy. But so far, the Government is doing a good job in difficult circumstances. Kris Hopkins, another Conservative MP, told the Spectator that MPs complaining about Mr Cameron’s approach risk “compromising” the Conservative Party.
Accusing critics of being egotistical, he added: “There should be constant challenge to the leadership, it shouldn’t start from the position of dislike for the Prime Minister”.
Some MPs have said they are concerned that Mr Cameron and his allies are seen are out-of-touch with the concerns of ordinary voters, worries sharpened by recent rows over the taxation of pasties and pensions.
John Redwood, a former Cabinet minister, said that the Prime Minister should avoid “phoney” attempts to conceal his privileged upbringing and focus on economic policy. » | James Kirkup, and Holly Watt | Monday, April 02, 2012
