Former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has stated that a new book by historian Sir Anthony Seldon validates her previous assertions about a "Tory fixer" allegedly orchestrating the downfall of Conservative party leaders. Dorries, who detailed these claims in her 2023 book, "The Plot," alleges that Dougie Smith, a Conservative official who held a No. 10 pass between 2010 and 2024, conspired with others to remove Boris Johnson from leadership. She also claims Smith previously influenced or destabilized the tenures of Iain Duncan Smith, Theresa May, and Liz Truss.
Sir Anthony Seldon's book, "Sunak At 10: The Last Conservative Prime Minister?," reportedly details Mr. Smith's influence. According to Seldon's account, Smith played a role in both the ascent and subsequent alleged downfall of Mr. Johnson and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The book suggests that in 2022, when Mr. Sunak was contemplating resigning as Chancellor to potentially oust Mr. Johnson, Smith advised him to "Quit now. Get clear of this shit-show. Boris is going down." Mr. Sunak subsequently resigned, and Mr. Johnson left office shortly thereafter.
Dorries further asserts that after Mr. Sunak became Prime Minister, Smith advised him on immigration policy, reportedly stating that his approach "won't f***ing work" and that he was "finished."
"I am delighted that Anthony Seldon has verified what I [wrote]," Dorries stated. "Dougie Smith has run the Conservative Party for years. He decides who will be leader of the party, who will be PM and for how long. Kemi Badenoch may discover it won't be too long before Smith is working to remove her, if he isn't already."
Mr. Smith and Mr. Gove have previously denied similar claims. The notes do not include comment from Mr. Cummings or Mr. Smith regarding Seldon's book.