Call for Liz Truss deselection over Lotus Eaters interview

The interview with former prime minister and South West Norfolk Conservative MP Ms Truss was streamed on Lotus Eaters, set up by Carl Benjamin, on Wednesday.

Liz Truss

But Labour MP Jess Phillips, former shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding, has criticised Ms Truss for agreeing to appear on the show.

Labour MP Jess Phillips (Image: Press Association)

Ms Phillips called on Mr Sunak to deselect Ms Truss, after Mr Benjamin's tweet to her in 2016 that he "wouldn't even rape you" and his subsequent remarks.

Ms Phillips, in her letter to Mr Sunak wrote: “It is clear that anyone willing to appear on this hateful platform is not suitable to be a candidate for any political party.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak

"Even Reform UK deselected one of its candidates after his harmful views and work as a content creator for Lotus Eaters was exposed.

“If you have any decency, you will deselect Liz Truss as Conservative candidate for South West Norfolk.

"Anything less than this will show how weak you are and how far the Conservative Party has sunk.”

READ MORE: General Election 2024: Norfolk and Waveney candidate list

The Lotus Eaters website says Ms Truss is appearing on its Tomlinson Talks show to discuss her book, Ten Years To Save The West.

Ms Truss did not want to comment.

It is understood she has no relationship with Mr Benjamin and the interview was recorded with Conservative party member Connor Tomlinson before the General Election was called.

Campaign group Hope Not Hate said it is "completely irresponsible" for any MP or candidate to share a platform with "far-right activists" and called for Ms Truss's suspension from the Conservative Party.

Labour previously called for Ms Truss to have the Tory whip removed after her attendance at the Conservative Political Action Conference in the US earlier this year.

Downing Street has been contacted for comment.