Confusion over David Cameron’s declaration that “money is no object” in the battle against flooding has forced Tory high command to issue an urgent briefing note to its backbenchers today.
The Prime Minister made the pledge at a rare Downing Street press conference yesterday at which he announced that he would cancel a trip to the Middle East to take personal charge of the flood relief effort.
Mr Cameron’s tough words appeared to be undermined, however, when Patrick McLoughlin, his Transport Secretary, faced with major disruption of rail routes, insisted that there was not a “blank cheque”.
Amid accusations of a U-turn, the Conservative Chief Whip explained to backbenchers today on how to navigate the distinction between Mr Cameron’s words and Mr McLoughlin’s.
Entitled “Line