The wife of sacked veterans’ minister Johnny Mercer has branded Liz Truss an “imbecile” for sacking “the best person I know”.
The MP for Plymouth Moor View, an Army veteran who was the Minister of State for Veterans’ Affairs, was relieved of his post as Ms Truss took office on Tuesday.
He had offered coded criticism as he was relieved of his duties, writing: “I am disappointed to leave a role I established, leading a team that I established, delivering a programme of reform for veterans that I have authored. But any Prime Minister is entitled to reward her supporters, and I accept her decision.”
Mr Mercer also suggested that he was considering his future in politics, writing: “I have to accept I will never possess the qualities required for enduring success in politics as it stands, and to be fair to my wonderful family, I must consider my future.”
He added: “I will be spending time with my family and doing no media requests.”
But hours after the sacking was confirmed, Mr Mercer’s wife Felicity Cornelius-Mercer took to Twitter to denounce the decision.
She claimed that Mr Mercer had asked the new PM: “‘Why would you do this, who is going to be better at this role than me, which of your mates gets the job, you promised a meritocracy?”
According to Ms Cornelius-Mercer, Ms Truss replied: “I can’t answer that Johnny.”
She continued: “This system stinks & treats people appallingly. Best person I know sacked by an imbecile.”
In a later tweet, she added: “Yes I am feeling bitter. Please allow it – 24hrs then back to positives.”
It appears the decision was not a surprise to the couple. Ms Cornelius-Mercer had tweeted a photo of Mr Mercer with their son earlier in the week, writing: “Whilst waiting for the axe to fall; only a Baby Dee cuddle will do.”
