The blue on blue attacks have ramped up after Rishi Sunak was accused of “mansplaining” to Liz Truss during their first head-to-head TV debate.
Mr Sunak spoke over Ms Truss several times as she attempted to explain her tax-cutting policies to the BBC audience of Tory members.
This prompted accusations of “mansplaining” – when a man explains something, typically to a woman, in a condescending or patronising manner.
Politics Hub: Tory MPs feat this is getting ‘far too nasty’ – live updates
Allies of Ms Truss said Mr Sunak had demonstrated “aggressive mansplaining and shouty private school behaviour”.
But veteran Conservative David Davis, who has run for leader twice, dismissed the accusations and said former chancellor Mr Sunak is simply “passionate”.
He told Sky News’ Kay Burley: “I think he’s passionate about these issues, he cares about it.
“He really does care about the fact that either us or our children will face phenomenal costs on this policy, life destroying, you’d have to sell your house, move out.
“I think it actually reflects well on him that he’s that passionate about the policy.”
Mr Davis added that when he was fighting for the leadership against David Cameron in 2005 he was “just as forensic and difficult” with him, but nobody accused him of “anything untoward”.
Subscribe to the Beth Rigby Interviews… podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke, who is backing Ms Truss, said Mr Sunak was “pretty aggressive”.
He told Sky News: “There were some pretty aggressive moments from Rishi at the beginning as Liz tried to set out her case.
“But by and large, I think the debate was held in a reasonable spirit, reflecting obviously the importance of issues.”
Read more:
Police investigate death threat sent to Penny Mordaunt
Nadine Dorries hits out at Sunak’s pricey suit – but she wears £6,000 earrings
Despite the pair saying they want to run clean campaigns, the contest has become more and more angsty, with allies of the two trading increasingly personal attacks over the weekend.
During the debate, the first since they were whittled down to the final two, Ms Truss said she would impose a temporary moratorium on the green energy levy and reverse the national insurance rise.
She also said her plans would see the government start paying down the debt that mounted up through COVID relief measures implemented by Mr Sunak in three years’ time.
As she accused Mr Sunak of being “contractionary” by putting up taxes, which she said would lead to a recession, Mr Sunak interrupted her.
He said: “Liz, your plans… your own economic adviser has said that will lead to mortgage interest rates going up to 7%. Can you imagine what that’s going to do for everyone here and everyone watching? That’s thousands of pounds on their mortgage bill.”
And as Ms Truss tried to continue, Mr Sunak said: “It’s going to tip millions of people into misery, and it’s going to mean we have absolutely no chance of winning the next election either.”
Sophie Raworth, who was hosting the debate, had to step in to insist Mr Sunak allowed Ms Truss to speak.
After that, the pair had some cordial exchanges, including when Ms Truss complimented Mr Sunak on his dress sense after Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries earlier criticised his expensive taste in clothes.
They also said they would want the other to be involved in their government.
A snap poll by Opinium after the debate, based on a sample of 1,032 voters, found 39% believed Mr Sunak had performed best, compared to 38% for Ms Truss.
However, betting odds remain in favour of Ms Truss.
Postal ballots are set to arrive at Tory members’ doorsteps by 5 August, with another TV debate on Tuesday evening and a third on 4 August on Sky News.
Conservative leadership debate: Be in the audience
Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss will take part in a head-to-head debate on Sky News on Thursday 4th August at 8pm hosted by Kay Burley.
If you would like to be a member of the live studio audience and be in with a chance of asking a question, please apply here.