GB News’ Lee Anderson Resigns As Deputy Tory Chair Over Rwanda Bill As Sunak Faces Party Rebellion

Conservative deputy chairman and GB News host Lee Anderson joined MP Brendan Clarke-Smith to resign Tuesday in defiance of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over the controversial Rwanda deportation bill, in support for rightwing amendments to toughen the bill.

The amendment votes saw 60 Tory MPs, including the two deputies, push for a more harder approach, signalling the largest rebellion under Sunak’s tenure.

Anderson told his employer GB News: “I don’t think I could carry on in my role when I fundamentally disagree with the bill. I can’t be in a position to vote for something I don’t believe in.”

This revolt precedes another critical Commons vote on the bill’s third reading on Wednesday, with around a dozen Tories already opposing the legislation.

Despite the brewing storm, government insiders remain unfazed, believing the rightwing faction lacks sufficient numbers to decisively impact Sunak’s leadership.

The amendments in question, proposed by veteran Tory MP Bill Cash and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, sought to limit legal challenges and appeals against deportations to Rwanda, seeking stricter measures that limit individual asylum seekers’ appeal rights.

Notably, the rebel faction includes former home secretary Suella Braverman, who was fired by the prime minister in November, and Sunak’s predecessor, ex-prime minister Liz Truss, although both amendments ultimately failed due to Labour’s opposition.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who leadership Sunak’s cabinet resignation ultimately undermined, has also entered the fray, advocating for tougher amendments.

Opposition Labour and Liberal Democrats have seized on the crisis, painting a picture of a Conservative Party in disarray and questioning Sunak’s ability to lead.