In Norfolk, James Bagge, leader of the group dubbed the ‘Turnip Taliban’ Tory rebels, is gearing up to challenge Liz Truss in her constituency.
Bagge, who plans to run as an Independent against Truss in Norfolk South West, criticized her for associating with right-wing extremists in the US, referring to her attendance at the CPAC event where she aligned herself with figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage.
Bagge accused Truss of blaming the British ‘deep state’ for the economic crisis that marked the end of her tenure as prime minister in 2022, and he criticized her lack of judgment and failure to take responsibility for her actions. He argued that it was not the institutions she criticized that sabotaged her administration but rather her own reckless policies.
Liz Truss, Leader of ‘Turnip Taliban’ (Credits: The Independent)
Truss faced opposition within the local Conservative Party when she was selected as the candidate for South West Norfolk in 2009, with critics labeling themselves the Turnip Taliban.
Bagge and others resigned from the party in protest, citing concerns about her lack of ties to the area and allegations of an affair with a married Tory MP.
Bagge also accused Truss of double standards for supporting Trump, who was expected to reduce aid to Ukraine, while also calling for assistance for Ukraine. He criticized her for associating with right-wing extremists like Farage and Trump, whom she praised at the CPAC event.
Truss, speaking at CPAC, called for conservatives in the US and UK to be more active in defending Western civilization, suggesting they need a “bigger bazooka” to fight the Left.
Bagge is now working to gain support for his challenge against Truss, aiming for what would be a significant election upset if successful.
