Tories deny purge as Lord Barwell hits back after losing party whip

Former minister says decision suggests ‘intolerance of criticism’ but source says it was for problems with conduct

The Conservatives have denied they are purging prominent centrists after Gavin Barwell lost the whip in the wake of warnings from Kemi Badenoch that supporters of policies such as targets for net zero were no longer welcome in the party.

Lord Barwell, who was an MP and minister before becoming Theresa May’s chief of staff, said he was saddened at the decision and that Badenoch risked putting off large numbers of potential voters because of her stance.

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