What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Tory star Priti Patel has caused outrage by branding these harmless campaigners – some elderly or disabled – a “thuggish gang”.

Members of the group were shocked and distressed by the Employment Minister’s attack.

The campaigners, including a wheelchair user and at least two needing walking sticks, visited Ms Patel’s constituency HQ to urge her to protect the health service.

After they braved the rain outside her office in Witham, Essex, she fired off a furious letter to Unite union boss Len McCluskey, who she said was behind the campaign.

Ms Patel wrote: “The lady who works in the Witham ­Conservative Association office felt harassed, frightened and intimated when a thuggish gang of People’s NHS campaigners came to our office.”

(Image: PA)

She said of the campaigners: “The ­intimidation, harassment and thuggish behaviour towards residents

is appalling.”

The remarks by Ms Patel, tipped as a future Tory leader, infuriated the group who say the planned ­Transatlantic Trade and ­Investment Partnership will lead to NHS privatisation.

Malcolm Mead said: “At the age of 78 I never expected to be called a thug by my MP. Priti Patel should apologise and listen to our concerns.”

Sandra Piscina, 56, said: “All I did was raise my concerns."