Boris Johnson speech:Tories accused of ‘desperate new low’ as former PM returns at 11th hour to save Sunak campaign

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Posting on X immediately after the former PM’s speech, rail minister Mr Merriman said: “Given my refusal to support this man and to then welcome a change from his leadership when the wheels of public and Parliamentary tolerance finally fell off, I’m not sure how this pitches for my vote.” Sir Keir mocked the return of Mr Johnson, suggesting that the next trick up Mr Sunak’s sleeve would be to bring Liz Truss onto the campaign trail. Then he borrowed Liz Truss’ playbook and put unfunded commitments in his manifesto, and then he wheeled out Boris Johnson last night, it makes my case for me.” Meanwhile Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper described Mr Johnson’s appearance as “a desperate new low” for Mr Sunak’s campaign. “It is time to boot out this tired and sleaze-ridden Conservative party, and elect Liberal Democrat MPs who will stand up for their communities.” open image in gallery Mr Sunak said the Tory party was ‘united’ Mr Johnson, who led the Tories to a landslide victory in 2019 against a Labour Party led by Jeremy Corbyn, told cheering activists: “Reform can achieve nothing in this election except to usher in the most left-wing Labour government since the war with a huge majority, and we must not let it happen. open image in gallery Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer downplayed suggestions of a landslide Mr Sunak addressed the crowds after Mr Johnson, hailing the “united Conservative family” and claiming just 130,000 voters could help stem his party’s predicted losses.