Penny Mordaunt has dispelled rumours of a leadership bid and pledged to stand by prime minister Rishi Sunak following local elections. During Business Questions in the House of Commons on Thursday 2 May, Ms Mordaunt also said she thinks something will “crop up” before a general election to turn the tide of public opinion in favour of the Conservatives. She has been one of several senior Tories at the focus of party leadership rumours, compounded this week by reports of a plot to oust Mr Sunak.