Dorset MP urges colleagues to get behind PM
Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope does not want another leadership battle
Liz Truss is facing a backlash from Conservative MPs after firing her chancellor and announcing a second U-turn on a major economic policy.
The prime minister replaced Kwasi Kwarteng with former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt before reversing a key policy to scrap a planned rise in corporation tax.
Christchurch MP Christopher Chope said he was standing by Ms Truss because he does not want another leadership battle.
But even the staunchly loyal MP had some harsh words for his party leader, after defending her.
Sir Christopher said: "I feel let down, very badly let down. And I expressed disbelief at what I heard because it's totally inconsistent with everything that the Prime Minister stood for when she was elected.
"I implore my colleagues to get behind the Prime Minister in this difficult time and show some unity.
"It's the lack of unity, which is so destructive and so divisive and I think that that has also helped spook the market."