Rishi Sunak warns Tory MPs that election campaigning is 'not optional'
The comments come after it emerged one Tory MP has said he will conduct his election activities from Greece.
Rishi Sunak has insisted that it is not optional for his MPs to be campaigning ahead of the general election in July.
Some Tory MPs were accused of a “lack of effort” by Conservative HQ in a leaked memo this week.
Northern Ireland Minister Steve Baker was one of several listed as he decided to continue with plans to holiday in Greece despite the general election being called.
When Mr Sunak was asked whether campaigning as a Tory MP is optional, he said: “No. Our MPs and candidates are working their socks off across the country. I've been out every day of this campaign spending time with them.
“They're working really hard and what they're talking to everyone about is the choice in this election. And it's very clear like we live in uncertain times and those uncertain times call for a government that is prepared to take bold action, that's got a clear plan because that's how you deliver a secure future for everyone in our country.”
He added: “All the MPs I've been spending time with over the last four days are working that socks off for their communities.”
Mr Sunak also insisted he has not given up on young people during his visit to a fine china factory in Stoke-on-Trent.
Since launching the campaign last week, the Tories have announced a national service policy for all 18-year-olds and a “quadruple” lock on pensions.
When asked why he had given up on young people, Mr Suank insisted “I haven’t”.
He said: I just announced a massive [national service] policy that I think will be transformational for our country, an incredibly positive for young people.
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“I think providing young people - regardless of their background, where they're from, where they live - with the opportunities that National Service will provide the skills that it will give them later in life, will be hugely positive for them.
“And at the same time, foster a culture of service and our country that will make our societies more cohesive and strengthen our security and resilience as a country but I think service gives you purpose. I think service is really wonderful thing and it gives people purpose.
“So I view National Services as something that's really positive and beneficial for people and giving them the opportunity to do that and contribute to their communities.”
The Prime Minister believes it could become a “right of passage” over time for youngsters in Britain.
He added: “People will look back on it, and look back on their time, doing it with enormous, fondness, and pride. I think. And when you talk to people who do this in lots of other countries, that's how they all feel about it and I want to make sure our young people here have that same set of experiences, too, regardless of their background and where they're from.”
