Tory MPs 'complain' about David 'Stalin' Cameron

This will get Team Dave going this morning. ConservativeHome highlights an anonymous letter circulated to Tory MPs purporting to come from disgruntled backbenchers. The refrain is a familiar one to leaders who run a tight ship: inner circle, private fiefdom, no consultation, high-handedness. The targets are Dave and Boy George, who are accused of using the expenses scandal to consolidate their power (that would be because they are in charge, but never mind). The key extract is this one:

“We are concerned that the parliamentary party is just being used and abused by the leader and his inner circle. They are treating the party as if it is their private property. Action is being taken to respond to the expenses scandal but its main purpose actually seems to be to build up a position for themselves of permanent power. Colleagues are threatened with expulsion, older members are being forced out, untested candidates are being invited to apply from nowhere, and all of it is designed to assert a Stalinist hold over the party.”

The Stalin analogy is fun, if only because it reminds us about what Lord Turnbull had to say about Gordon Brown’s management style after he retired as Cabinet Secretary. There is certainly a lot of unhappiness among the troops over the way a number of superannuated MPs have been shown the door for their expenses ‘crimes’ while Michael Gove, Chris Grayling, Alan Duncan, Ed Vaizey and others glide effortlessly on. The shadow of Howard Flight hangs over them all. The letter concludes by inviting colleagues to discuss the matter in the tea-rooms. The full letter is on CH here.

UPDATE: I’m told the Whips have sent an email round to all MPs ordering them not to comment on the letter.