Old grievances have reappeared after a former attorney general accused a Norfolk Tory of "feeding snake oil" to voters.

Dominic Grieve, who has long been critical of Liz Truss since she was lord chancellor, made the comments as he visited Norfolk to support independent rival James Bagge, who is hoping to topple the former PM in South West Norfolk.

The ex-Tory MP joined Mr Bagge in Swaffham to meet with voters in the constituency, as they attempt what would be one of the biggest political upsets in history.

Dominic Grieve (L) and South West Norfolk Independent candidate James Bagge (R) meeting votersDominic Grieve (L) and South West Norfolk Independent candidate James Bagge (R) meeting voters (Image: James Bagge)

Mr Grieve said: "Bagge’s victory in South West Norfolk could be the beginning of a tide turning against populism and mediocrity in our politics.

READ MORE: Norfolk election contest hit with claims of skulduggery

Dominic Grieve and James Bagge address crowds at an event in SwaffhamDominic Grieve and James Bagge address crowds at an event in Swaffham (Image: James Bagge)

"It shows that voters refuse to be fed snake oil by the likes of Liz Truss and Reform, and they want a sensible, compassionate, centre-ground politics that focuses on getting things done.”

Mr Grieve has been a vocal critic of Ms Truss, with his disdain coming to a head in 2016 following her reluctance to condemn attacks on judges made by the Daily Mail.

Liz Truss during the launch of the Popular Conservative movement in February, a party faction led by the former Prime Minister critical of faceless organisations that include judges, quangos and international human rights institutions.Liz Truss during the launch of the Popular Conservative movement in February, a party faction led by the former Prime Minister critical of faceless organisations that include judges, quangos and international human rights institutions. (Image: PA)

The newspaper called three High Court judges "enemies of the people" over a key ruling during the Brexit negotiations following the referendum. 

Mr Grieve is one of several high-profile figures who have come out in support of Mr Bagge - a former Tory rebel who was part of the 'Turnip Taliban,' a group of Norfolk Conservatives that opposed her selection as an MP candidate in South West Norfolk in 2009.

He joins broadcaster Anne Robinson, podcaster Rory Stewart and actor Rupert Everett in supporting Mr Bagge.

He believes his campaign is generating significant traction by appealing to disgruntled Tories, although he fears this support has not been reflected in recent polls due to a "lack of inclusion" of an independent candidate.