Critics in the Tory Party trying to undermine leader Iain Duncan Smith should "belt up", veteran MP Sir Teddy Taylor has said.
The Rochford and Southend East MP was speaking today after returning from the party conference at Bournemouth and hearing Mr Duncan Smith's speech which gained a six-minute standing ovation.
Sir Teddy said: "I think it was absolutely splendid and a very sincere and helpful speech and deserved the reception it received.
"When he spoke of the times he had rebelled against the Maastricht treaty, when I was another rebel, I was pleased he said he would always do what he believed in."
Sir Teddy said he believed all those who were seeking to undermine the leadership in many decisive ways should "keep quiet and belt up."
He said: "They should remember that he was elected by the party membership and not the others and now he deserves the support of the party."
Castle Point Tory MP Bob Spink said: "The message was that it is time the party started going forward rather than looking back."
Published Friday October 11, 2002
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