Gavin Williamson’s foul-mouthed texts to Tory chief whip

Sir Gavin Williamson is facing an investigation over a series of abusive and expletive-ridden text messages sent to the then Tory chief whip fuming he had not been invited to the late Queen’s funeral. The Cabinet Office minister, who was a backbencher at the time, accused Wendy Morton of using the death of the late monarch to “punish” senior MPs who were out of favour with Liz Truss’s administration in an exchange on September 13.Sir Gavin complained that it was “very poor” that privy councillors – senior politicians who formally advise the monarch – who “aren’t favoured” have been excluded from the state funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19.Ms Morton repeatedly denied his claims and insisted that the Government had been allocated an “extremely limited” number of tickets, most of which went to members of the Cabinet.In the foul-mouthed messages, obtained by The Sunday Times, Mr Williamson said: “Well certainly looks it which think is very s*** and perception becomes reality. Also don’t forget I know how this works so don’t puss (sic) me about.”It’s very clear how you are going to treat a number of us which is very stupid and you are showing f*** all interest in pulling things together. Sir Gavin Williamson is facing an investigation over expletive-ridden texts to Wendy Morton (Image: GETTY)”Also this shows exactly how you have rigged it is is (sic) disgusting you are using her death to punish people who are just supportive, absolutely disgusting.”Well let’s see how many more times you f*** us all over. There is a price for everything.”Ms Morton handed the messages to the Tories’ complaints team on October 24, the day before Rishi Sunak became PM.The then Conservative chairman, Sir Jake Berry, said he told Mr Sunak the day before he entered No 10 that Ms Morton had submitted a formal complaint to the party about Sir Gavin. Wendy Morton handed the messages to the Tories’ complaints team on October 24 (Image: GETTY)In the ensuing reshuffle, Sir Gavin – a former chief whip and a supporter of Mr Sunak – was brought into the new PM’s Cabinet, while Sir Jake and Ms Morton lost their jobs.Sir Gavin’s appointment sparked controversy as he has a reputation for being a plotter.Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said Mr Sunak’s decision to bring Sir Gavin back into Government called his judgement into question as she referred to his promise as he entered Downing Street.She said: “Gavin Williamson was sacked from Cabinet twice, yet despite risking national security, he’s back at the heart of Government.”Rishi Sunak’s pledge to restore integrity, professionalism and accountability has been exposed as nothing more than hollow words. Far from stopping the rot in Downing Street, he’s letting it fester.” Rishi Sunak brought Sir Gavin into his Cabinet (Image: GETTY)Meanwhile, the Lib Dems called on Mr Sunak to sack Mr Williamson.A Conservative Party spokesman: “The Conservative Party has a robust complaints process in place. This process is rightly a confidential one, so that complainants can come forward in confidence.”Sir Gavin told The Sunday Times: “I of course regret getting frustrated about the way colleagues and I felt we were being treated. I am happy to speak with Wendy and I hope to work positively with her in the future as I have in the past.”No 10 has been contacted for comment.