Chris Grayling refuses to deny telling Cabinet colleagues not to speak to the press over Philip Hammond leaks.

Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, reportedly warned his colleagues on the Cabinet 'they should be careful not to go running to journalists' 

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has refused to deny he told his Cabinet colleagues not to speak to the press as he attempted to play down internal splits at the heart of Government. 

His comments come following a series of briefings against Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, including allegations he made sexist comments, said public sector workers are “overpaid” and is attempting to frustrate the process of Brexit. 

One minister told the Daily Telegraph on Sunday that Mr Hammond is treating pro-Leave colleagues “like pirates who have taken him prisoner”, adding: “What’s really going on is that the Establishment, the Treasury, is trying to f*** it up. They want to frustrate Brexit.” 

Asked about reports in the Sunday Times that Mr Grayling told colleagues “they should be careful not to go running to journalists,  he replied: “Well as an example and I did not use that exact phrase no.” 

Pressed again on Sky News, he added: “Well I actually didn’t say anything at all about it at the Cabinet meeting… we had a political discussion previously about the future strategy of the party and I think it’s really important that that remains a working progress amongst Cabinet ministers and party leadership. 

By Ashley Cowburn.

Full story at Independent.