Tories reject watchdog’s call for Boris Johnson to lose power to decide on sleaze investigations
3 years, 4 months ago

Tories reject watchdog’s call for Boris Johnson to lose power to decide on sleaze investigations

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Conservatives have again rejected a watchdog’s call for Boris Johnson to be stripped of the power to decide whether ministers are investigated for sleaze, despite rising public anger. Mr Dowden also rejected the warning by Jonathan Evans, the head of the committee, of a slide into corruption, insisting: “I think we are an exceptionally long way from that.” He also defended reopening the hunt for a chair of the media regulator Ofcom – in what is widely seen as an attempt to secure the job for former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre- insisting only a “very small field” of eligible candidates had come forward. Mr Dowden also claimed the public did not care about that refusal, because it wanted the government to be focusing on the “job at hand”, tackling the climate crisis and delivering booster jabs. Two weeks ago, Lord Evans said the prime minister’s adviser on ministerial interests, Christopher Geidt, must have “meaningful independence” to carry out his job.

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History of this topic

Tories demand investigation into Labour donor’s appointment to Civil Service job
7 months ago

Tories demand investigation into Labour donor’s appointment to Civil Service job

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Prime Minister’s ethics adviser …

Tories call for investigation over 'gravely concerning' claims of Russian interference in the general election - with Moscow 'boosting Nigel Farage's Reform'
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Tories call for investigation over 'gravely concerning' claims of Russian interference in the general election - with Moscow 'boosting Nigel Farage's Reform'

Daily Mail  

The Tories are demanding an investigation over 'gravely concerning' allegations of Russian interference in the general election campaign, it has been revealed. Oliver Dowden, the Deputy Prime Minister, has responded to claims that five co-ordinated Facebook pages have been spouting Kremlin talking points. Some have posted in support of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. …

Labour vows to ‘turn page on Tory sleaze’ as it details ethics watchdog plans
1 year, 8 months ago

Labour vows to ‘turn page on Tory sleaze’ as it details ethics watchdog plans

The Independent  

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Probe into Sue Gray’s Labour role paused after her refusal to co-operate
1 year, 10 months ago

Probe into Sue Gray’s Labour role paused after her refusal to co-operate

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Deputy Prime Minister said: “In order to maintain confidentiality towards an individual former …

Boris Johnson latest: Michael Gove says former PM is ‘man of integrity’
2 years ago

Boris Johnson latest: Michael Gove says former PM is ‘man of integrity’

The Independent  

✕ Close Question Time audience reveal if they thought Boris Johnson was telling MPs the truth Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The …

Penny Mordaunt warns against intimidation of MPs probing partygate
2 years ago

Penny Mordaunt warns against intimidation of MPs probing partygate

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The cross-party group of MPs investigating whether Boris Johnson knowingly …

Boris Johnson: MPs should get vote to end Partygate probe, says Tory who quit inquiry
2 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson: MPs should get vote to end Partygate probe, says Tory who quit inquiry

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ms Farris revealed that she had decided to step down from the cross-party privileges committee …

Ministers should ‘consider positions’ in Boris Johnson’s government, Tory MP suggests
2 years, 8 months ago

Ministers should ‘consider positions’ in Boris Johnson’s government, Tory MP suggests

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ministers should “consider their positions” in Boris Johnson’s government amid mounting …

Boris Johnson can’t even lie competently about the Chris Pincher scandal
2 years, 8 months ago

Boris Johnson can’t even lie competently about the Chris Pincher scandal

The Independent  

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By-election news latest: Boris Johnson loses backing of more Tory MPs after disastrous defeats
2 years, 9 months ago

By-election news latest: Boris Johnson loses backing of more Tory MPs after disastrous defeats

The Independent  

✕ Close Boris Johnson fails to deny he offered Carrie Symonds top job Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Johnson warned he would be making ‘big mistake’ not replacing Lord Geidt
2 years, 9 months ago

Johnson warned he would be making ‘big mistake’ not replacing Lord Geidt

The Independent  

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‘Big mistake’ to scrap ethics adviser role, former anti-corruption tsar warns Boris Johnson
2 years, 9 months ago

‘Big mistake’ to scrap ethics adviser role, former anti-corruption tsar warns Boris Johnson

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson will make “a big mistake” if he axes the …

Outrage over Boris Johnson plan to abolish Downing Street ethics monitor
2 years, 9 months ago

Outrage over Boris Johnson plan to abolish Downing Street ethics monitor

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Lord Geidt – the second adviser to resign in less than two years during Mr …

Ethics adviser to scandal-hit UK leader Boris Johnson quits
2 years, 9 months ago

Ethics adviser to scandal-hit UK leader Boris Johnson quits

Associated Press  

LONDON — The ethics adviser to Britain’s scandal-hit Prime Minister Boris Johnson has quit and accused the Conservative government of planning to flout conduct rules, weeks after a separate investigation criticized the U.K. leader for overseeing a culture of government rule-breaking. Geidt had stayed in his job as Johnson was buffeted by allegations about his judgment and ethics, culminating in …

Lord Geidt resignation letter: Boris Johnson’s ethics adviser quit over plan to ‘deliberately breach ministerial code’
2 years, 9 months ago

Lord Geidt resignation letter: Boris Johnson’s ethics adviser quit over plan to ‘deliberately breach ministerial code’

The Independent  

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Boris Johnson’s fresh partygate trauma after resignation of ethics adviser
2 years, 9 months ago

Boris Johnson’s fresh partygate trauma after resignation of ethics adviser

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson’s bid to move on from partygate was dealt …

Boris Johnson suffers blow as second ethics adviser resigns
2 years, 9 months ago

Boris Johnson suffers blow as second ethics adviser resigns

CNN  

CNN — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered a further blow to his authority on Wednesday when his second ethics adviser in less than two years quit his post. The resignation of Christopher Geidt marks the second Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests to quit under Johnson in less than two years. Taking questions from a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, Geidt …

Harriet Harman to lead Partygate probe into whether Boris Johnson lied
2 years, 9 months ago

Harriet Harman to lead Partygate probe into whether Boris Johnson lied

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman is to lead the Commons committee …

Boris Johnson’s ethics adviser hints he would have launched Partygate inquiry if power existed
2 years, 9 months ago

Boris Johnson’s ethics adviser hints he would have launched Partygate inquiry if power existed

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Christopher Geidt said he now felt able to “initiate” inquiries – under new enhanced powers …

MPs support calls for urgent action on sleaze watchdog’s recommendations
2 years, 9 months ago

MPs support calls for urgent action on sleaze watchdog’s recommendations

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This asked MPs to endorse recommendations from the Committee on Standards in Public Life, …

John Penrose says Boris Johnson broke ministerial code over Partygate and must resign
2 years, 9 months ago

John Penrose says Boris Johnson broke ministerial code over Partygate and must resign

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson privately told MPs he would “do it again” in …

Ministers to escape sack for ethics breaches, as Boris Johnson accused of ‘rigging’ rules
2 years, 9 months ago

Ministers to escape sack for ethics breaches, as Boris Johnson accused of ‘rigging’ rules

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The chair of the House of Commons standards committee said the change took the UK …

Johnson ‘out of touch and mired in sleaze’ claims Davey ahead of elections
2 years, 10 months ago

Johnson ‘out of touch and mired in sleaze’ claims Davey ahead of elections

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson’s administration is “mired in sleaze” and could suffer …

UK lawmakers OK probe into PM Boris Johnson’s alleged lies
2 years, 11 months ago

UK lawmakers OK probe into PM Boris Johnson’s alleged lies

Associated Press  

LONDON — British lawmakers on Thursday ordered a parliamentary investigation into Prime Minister Boris Johnson for allegedly lying about whether he broke coronavirus restrictions by attending illegal gatherings during the pandemic. The move, approved by cries of “aye” and without a formal vote in the House of Commons, means Parliament’s Committee of Privileges will investigate whether Johnson knowingly misled Parliament …

Should Boris Johnson be investigated further over Partygate? Have your say
2 years, 11 months ago

Should Boris Johnson be investigated further over Partygate? Have your say

The Independent  

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Partygate: Boris Johnson has become ‘great debaser of decency’ after ‘shredding’ ministerial code, historian says
2 years, 11 months ago

Partygate: Boris Johnson has become ‘great debaser of decency’ after ‘shredding’ ministerial code, historian says

The Independent  

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Boris Johnson and Priti Patel rebuked by watchdog over ‘misleading’ claims crime has fallen
3 years, 1 month ago

Boris Johnson and Priti Patel rebuked by watchdog over ‘misleading’ claims crime has fallen

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. While addressing Sue Gray’s report into No 10 parties in a bruising Commons session earlier …

Sue Gray’s report and the police investigation: What next for Boris Johnson?
3 years, 1 month ago

Sue Gray’s report and the police investigation: What next for Boris Johnson?

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The prime minister lives to fight another day, as Sue Gray, …

Senior Tories pile pressure on Johnson over Savile ‘slur’
3 years, 1 month ago

Senior Tories pile pressure on Johnson over Savile ‘slur’

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson is facing fresh calls from senior Tories to …

Sleaze watchdog attacks ‘bonkers’ rule that allowed Boris Johnson to escape investigation
3 years, 2 months ago

Sleaze watchdog attacks ‘bonkers’ rule that allowed Boris Johnson to escape investigation

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Parliament’s sleaze watchdog Kathryn Stone has attacked the “bonkers” rules which …

London police investigating Downing Street lockdown parties
3 years, 2 months ago

London police investigating Downing Street lockdown parties

India TV News  

Highlights PM Johnson’s govt has been under fire for allegedly holding events during lockdown London police said Tuesday they are now investigating parties during lockdown at Downing Street Metropolitan Police Commissioner said Scotland Yard is now investigating “a number of events” London police said Tuesday they are now investigating parties during lockdown at Downing Street. Dick said Scotland Yard is …

Boris Johnson faces threat of legal action over blackmail claims
3 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson faces threat of legal action over blackmail claims

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Lawyers from the Good Law Project have sent the prime minister a letter before action …

Cabinet minister refuses to say PM will quit if inquiry finds he broke rules over No 10 party
3 years, 2 months ago

Cabinet minister refuses to say PM will quit if inquiry finds he broke rules over No 10 party

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But the Northern Ireland Secretary – who also defended Mr Johnson for trying to keep …

Boris Johnson’s fate lies in hands of Sue Gray – but it is rare that civil servants dare to pull trigger
3 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson’s fate lies in hands of Sue Gray – but it is rare that civil servants dare to pull trigger

The Telegraph  

Boris Johnson is a political gambler, and by tying his future to the findings of the official report into Downing Street parties, he has effectively bet his premiership on its outcome. Reminded by Sir Keir Starmer that ministers who are found to have misled Parliament are expected to resign, Mr Johnson replied that they should both wait for the report …

Boris Johnson’s failure to act on sleaze may be more than ‘carelessness’, ethics watchdog suggests
3 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson’s failure to act on sleaze may be more than ‘carelessness’, ethics watchdog suggests

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson’s failure to stamp down on multiple allegations of Tory …

Boris Johnson won’t face further inquiry over luxury flat refurb, No 10 says
3 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson won’t face further inquiry over luxury flat refurb, No 10 says

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Last month, Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, urged Ms Stone to investigate the prime minister …

Boris Johnson ‘told he will not face new inquiry into Downing Street flat refurbishment’
3 years, 2 months ago

Boris Johnson ‘told he will not face new inquiry into Downing Street flat refurbishment’

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Parliamentary standards commissioner Kathryn Stone, who oversees the code of conduct and rules for MPs, …

UK’s Johnson apologizes after ethics investigator criticism
3 years, 2 months ago

UK’s Johnson apologizes after ethics investigator criticism

Associated Press  

LONDON — Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologized after a government ethics investigator criticized the U.K. leader and his staff for failing to disclose messages he exchanged with a donor about financing the redecoration of his official residence. Christopher Geidt, the independent adviser on minister’s interests, wasn’t informed of the messages last spring when he investigated the so-called “cash for …

Boris Johnson ‘planning reforms which would let ministers overrule judicial decisions’
3 years, 3 months ago

Boris Johnson ‘planning reforms which would let ministers overrule judicial decisions’

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson wants to weaken the power of courts to overrule …

Boris Johnson refuses to intervene over Geoffrey Cox voting from Caribbean during lockdown
3 years, 4 months ago

Boris Johnson refuses to intervene over Geoffrey Cox voting from Caribbean during lockdown

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Asked if it was “appropriate” for the former attorney general to have worked in the …

Boris Johnson is much more vulnerable now than he was a week ago – unlike the standards watchdog
3 years, 4 months ago

Boris Johnson is much more vulnerable now than he was a week ago – unlike the standards watchdog

The Independent  

Sadly, even with an effective majority of 85 in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson cannot repeal the law of unintended consequences – a piece of legislation that has given him considerable grief during his premiership. A worst-case scenario would be an eventual sanction similar to that imposed on Owen Paterson – a long suspension that might prompt a by-election …

Minister denies Boris Johnson wanted ‘pre-emptive strike’ against sleaze watchdog
3 years, 4 months ago

Minister denies Boris Johnson wanted ‘pre-emptive strike’ against sleaze watchdog

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson was …

Government passed over 171 candidates to pick Bullingdon Club ‘chum’ of Boris Johnson for sleaze watchdog role
3 years, 7 months ago

Government passed over 171 candidates to pick Bullingdon Club ‘chum’ of Boris Johnson for sleaze watchdog role

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government passed over 171 candidates to pick a Bullingdon Club …

UK government accused of hypocrisy as health minister quits
3 years, 8 months ago

UK government accused of hypocrisy as health minister quits

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Hancock announced his resignation Saturday, a day after apologizing for breaching social distancing rules after …

Boris Johnson, lord of chaos, has seen off Dominic Cummings
3 years, 9 months ago

Boris Johnson, lord of chaos, has seen off Dominic Cummings

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The central charge Cummings made to …

Boris Johnson’s ethics adviser ready to quit if advice ignored
3 years, 10 months ago

Boris Johnson’s ethics adviser ready to quit if advice ignored

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson’s new independent ethics adviser has said he is ready …

Wrong to focus on ‘sleaze’ allegations against Boris Johnson while India is suffering, minister says
3 years, 10 months ago

Wrong to focus on ‘sleaze’ allegations against Boris Johnson while India is suffering, minister says

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. James Cleverly criticised the “juxtaposition” of questions about the prime minister’s lavish flat makeover with …

Fury as Boris Johnson denies adviser power to launch sleaze inquiries
3 years, 10 months ago

Fury as Boris Johnson denies adviser power to launch sleaze inquiries

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson has sparked fury by rejecting a sleaze watchdog’s call …

Boris Johnson said he ‘would rather let bodies pile high’ than impose third lockdown, reports claim
3 years, 11 months ago

Boris Johnson said he ‘would rather let bodies pile high’ than impose third lockdown, reports claim

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson has been accused of saying that he would rather …

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