PMQs latest: Yousaf denies he’s victim of plot – as pre-elections PMQs leaves lots to be

Boris Johnson is “welcome” to campaign for Conservative candidates, the prime minister’s spokesperson has said, as Sky News reveals the Tory mayor of the West Midlands is sending voters an endorsement from the former prime minister. 

Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates says Andy Street’s campaign team is sending out literature with pictures of him and Mr Johnson, which openly admits problems with the Conservatives’ reputation (see post at 11am).

Meanwhile, his campaign website makes no mention of Rishi Sunak on its homepage and is coloured in green rather than Conservative blue. 

West Midlands race ‘very important’

Sam says it suggests the mayor is trying to run on his credentials as an independent campaigner rather than under the unpopular Tory brand.

Asked how the prime minister feels about northern mayors appearing to distance themselves from him, while highlighting an alliance with Mr Johnson, the spokesperson said “of course we would welcome” Mr Johnson’s involvement in any campaigns.

“When you look at the absolute mess that Labour have made of Birmingham City Council, pretty much driven it to bankruptcy, it’s no surprise that Conservatives think this race is, absolutely, very important.” 

The other candidates in the West Midlands are:

• Siobhan Harper-Nunes, Greens;
• Richard Parker, Labour;
• Sunny Virk, Lib Dems;
• Elaine Ruth Williams, Reform;
• Akhmed Yakoob, independent.