Penny Mordaunt’s Tory leadership rivals blamed for coup plot rumours

Allies of Commons leader say other future candidates for top job are trying to make her look disloyal

Penny Mordaunt's rivals in a future Conservative leadership contest have been blamed for briefing coup rumours meant to ruin her chances of eventually taking over from Rishi Sunak, the Guardian has been told.

The Commons leader, who came a close third in the leadership contest won by Liz Truss in 2022, has in recent days been at the centre of speculation over an alleged plot to try to oust the prime minister to avert a general election disaster for the Conservatives.