Tory Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed dismay over revelations that Rishi Sunak engaged in undisclosed discussions with Dominic Cummings, the former senior adviser to

Boris Johnson. Cummings alleges that Sunak attempted a "secret deal" to collaborate on strategies aimed at defeating the Labour Party in the upcoming general election. The proposed agreement included radical reforms that Sunak ultimately rejected, as reported by The Sunday Times.

No. 10 did not deny claims that Sunak had met Cummings twice last year to discuss political strategies, prompting concern among Conservative MPs. A senior Tory, previously sympathetic to Sunak, criticized the move as a "disgrace" and a display of poor judgment. Another Conservative MP warned against seeking advice from Cummings, stating, "Never bring an arsonist into your home. They will burn it down, and finger you for it."

Nadine Dorries, a staunch supporter of Boris Johnson, accused Sunak of being an "on-the-record liar" for denying contact with Cummings. A video from the 2022 Tory leadership contest resurfaced, where Sunak claimed that Cummings would have "absolutely nothing to do with any government" led by him.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats criticized Sunak, labeling him "weak and desperate" for allegedly trying to bring Cummings back into the government secretly. Despite the meetings, Sunak decided against rehiring Cummings, who had made several demands, including abandoning a cautious approach, holding an emergency Budget, settling NHS strikes, and doubling the income tax threshold.

Downing Street did not deny the secret meetings but insisted that no job offer was made. Cummings, in his account, claimed Sunak wanted his involvement to remain secret due to potential backlash. The Liberal Democrats have called for an official Cabinet Office inquiry into whether Sunak breached the ministerial code by not declaring the meetings.

Cummings, credited with orchestrating the Vote Leave campaign, played a key role in Johnson's 2019 election victory but left in 2020 amid a public fallout with the prime minister. The recent revelations have stirred controversy and raised questions about Sunak's judgment and transparency. Photo by UK Parliament, Wikimedia commons.