Nadine Dorries launches Twitter attack on promoted Tory MP

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/08/nadine-dorries-twitter-spat-kris-hopkins

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She has never been a stranger to controversy during her time in Westminster. And now Nadine Dorries is courting yet more after she called a Conservative colleague – promoted by the prime minister on Monday – one of parliament's "slimiest, nastiest MPs".

The candidate for the post of deputy Speaker of the House of Commons posted messages on Twitter attacking Kris Hopkins MP after he was appointed to a junior ministerial post within the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Norries wrote that it was very sad to see the MP for Keighley promoted and called David Cameron's decision to give Hopkins his first government job a "really awful decision".

Dorries posted another tweet soon after in which she wrote: "Kris Hopkins is frequently publicly unpleasant about colleagues", adding a link to an online news article reporting an apparent spat between Hopkins and another Conservative MP, Philip Davies.

Fellow Tory MP Theresa Coffey attempted to defend Hopkins online, telling Dorries that her description of him was not one that she recognised and that he was "authentic and brave". Dorries replied: "I'll tell you differently at dinner!!"

A Conservative party source said he felt it was unlikely Dorries would have the whip wirthdrawn over the controversy, saying she was known as an outspoken person.

Dorries has been forthcoming in her criticism of colleagues in the past, once calling Cameron and George Osborne "arrogant posh boys who don't know the price of milk".

The Mid-Bedfordshire MP, who was temporarily suspended from the Conservative whip after going to Australia to take part in the reality television show I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!, has recently antagonised the Tory high command by suggesting there should be a pact with Nigel Farage's UK Independence party.

Announcing her candidacy for the deputy Speaker's position last Thursday, Dorries told the Evening Standard: "I'm going to stand. I have a proven track record of achievement in parliament." In an email to party members, she admitted she was "obviously not the No 10 candidate" but claimed she was "possibly the most impartial MP in the House of Commons".

A Conservative party spokesman refused to comment on the Twitter spat. Dorries and Hopkins failed to respond to requests for comment.

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