Conservative MPs have expressed frustration at their party's messaging over hotels housing asylum seekers, with leaked WhatsApp messages revealing concerns that the leadership is attacking Labour for policies introduced by the Conservatives themselves.
The advert, shared by Conservative Campaign Headquarters, listed 'perks' received by people in asylum hotels, including housing, food, and clothing provided by the state. However, some claims—such as discounted language lessons, free driving lessons, and PlayStation consoles—have been challenged as exaggerations.
Lewis Cocking, MP for Broxbourne, wrote that the advert 'makes us look silly as we gave them all this too'. He argued that the party should focus on detention and deportation. His message received support from shadow ministers Alicia Kearns, Andrew Rosindell, and Paul Holmes.
Ben Obese-Jecty, a 2024-intake MP, noted that the policies being attacked were introduced under Conservative governments, questioning why the party would try to pin them on Labour. He described the communications as 'piss-poor' and causing 'unnecessary media embarrassment'.
Tory chair Kevin Hollinrake agreed the advert was 'of concern' but refused to delete it, arguing it would be counterproductive. A Conservative spokesperson defended the party's stance, saying Kemi Badenoch has set out where the party failed on immigration and is holding Labour to account.
