Police probing after ex-Tory leadership hopeful Penny Mordaunt was sent death threats

COPS are investigating after ex-Tory leadership hopeful Penny Mordaunt was sent death threats.

The Portsmouth MP, 49, bolstered her security after thugs threatened to “shoot her in the head” and “kill her family” if she didn’t quit as an MP.

The message was sent to her local office last week during the final days of her campaign.

Ms Mordaunt said yesterday: “I’m still serving my community and never let such things distract me from my job.”

The trade minister and ex-defence secretary was voted out of the contest on Wednesday after failing to secure enough votes to get through to the final two.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: “At 11.50am on July 22, we received a report of a letter containing threats to kill a Portsmouth woman and her family which was sent to her office in Lakeside, North Harbour.

“We attended and safeguarding measures were put in place to minimise the risk to the woman and her family, employees and the wider community.

“Our inquiries into this incident are ongoing and it has been referred to the Parliamentary Liaison Team.

“We take the safeguarding of our MPs incredibly seriously and there are robust systems in place to ensure they can carry out their job safely.”

Ms Mordaunt said: “I’m very grateful for all the good wishes and support.”