Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Duncan Smith rounds on critics

Andrew Grice
Thursday 16 October 2003 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Iain Duncan Smith has launched a stinging counter-attack on his Tory critics, accusing them of being more interested in ousting him than seeing the party prosper.

But the former head of his private office Vanessa Gearson said she would claim she was put under pressure to make a misleading statement to the anti-sleaze watchdog into allegations Mr Duncan Smith misused his parliamentary allowance to pay his wife, Betsy. Writing in The Spectator today, the Conservative leader says the "highly offensive and inaccurate slur on the integrity of myself and my wife" was the culmination of "determined and sustained attempts to undermine my position through a series of off-the-record briefings and smears".

Derek Conway, a former whip, warned that Mr Duncan Smith's treatment of his critics could "end in tears". He said: "Having principles is not the sole prerogative of the leader of the party."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in