New Tory party vice chairman hits back at critics who oppose his tough position on death penalty

NEW Tory vice chairman Lee Anderson has hit back at critics of his tough position on the death penalty – saying it’s a “completely mainstream” view in Red Wall heartlands.

Lee Anderson defended his comments saying Britain should have tougher punishments for sick terrorists who killed Lee Rigby.

And he threw his support behind Labour MP Rosie Duffield – saying her suggestion being in the party was like an abusive relationship was spot on and “wish I’d left Labour sooner”.

Writing for The Sun today, the Ashfield MP said he was proud to call himself a Tory as it “allows free speech and encourages personal responsibility”.

Rishi Sunak and the Tory Chairman last week distanced themselves from his comments, but said he was entitled to his own opinions.

Mr Ashfield said: “It ain’t perfect, but the Tory Party allows free speech and encourages personal responsibility.

“This is why I have found my natural home with the Conservative Party.”

He hailed the PM’s immigration crackdown and five-point plan as a blueprint to keep the Tories in power, adding: “Get that right and I predict another five years for us, leaving the Labour loonies in the rightful place on opposition benches.”

Mr Anderson hit out at Sir Keir Starmer’s party for turning their backs on the working class and being “more worried about pronouns than the people’s priorities”.

And he vowed to learn the lessons of his Red Wall win in 2019 to help the Tories cling on to power and “keep Labour out of Downing Street”.