Boris Johnson’s Tory scandal chaos was the subject of Rishi Sunak’s blaming, insisting that government must do better.
The allegations against Owen Paterson, an ex-minister who was trying to protect him from being punished for his lobbying led to internal tensions.
This is after persistent rumours that Mr Sunak, who did not vote for the important amendment last week, and Mr Johnson were at odds.
The PM stubbornly refused to apologise for triggering the sleaze meltdown as he was repeatedly grilled during a press conference at the COP26 summit in Glasgow last night.
After the release of new GDP numbers, Sunak spoke out to Sky News and said that he was “reflecting upon recent events”.
“People will have their own motivations to do what they are doing, but the pay is fixed by an independent entity, and that’s perfectly right.
“And regarding second jobs, there is an independent process that we’ve got that’s been set by Parliament and that regulates everything. That process must be followed exactly as it is.
‘Now look, on the broader point – and reflecting over recent events – I think for us as a Government, it’s fair to say that we need to do better than we did last week, and we know that.’
Rishi Sunak was at risk of increasing internal tensions due to the wave of allegations following the failed bid by Owen Paterson to keep him out from prison for lobbying.
Boris Johnson refused to apologise after triggering the sleaze crisis. He was repeatedly grilled at a press conference held last night at the COP26 summit.
With more allegations made against MPs than ever before and signs of increasing infighting, the Tory misery is not showing any sign of abating.
Last night’s press conference saw an awkwardly dressed Mr Johnson insist that MPs have second jobs to’strengthen Democracy’, stating that politicians were able to work outside of their job for hundreds of years.
But he swiped at Geoffrey Cox, who has been criticised for his £1million-a-year legal sideline, saying they ‘must put your job as an MP first’, as well as stressing that paid lobbying is never acceptable.
He was trying to maintain media attention on his plans to reduce climate change, but he found it difficult to defend Britain’s political system.
Johnson appeared to be in an excruciating hurry to flee, which brought the proceedings to a halt. Johnson looked at his watch and stated that he had to catch the train back to London using ‘climate friendly transport’.
Premier had traveled to Scotland to try to revive UN Summit negotiations for a climate deal. But he found himself in trouble over the “sleaze” crisis.
“On second jobs, i would say that over hundreds of years, MPs have been elected to parliament and done work as soldiers, physicians, lawyers, firefighters, writers or any other trade or calling,’ he explained.
“And overall, the UK’s population understands that this has strengthened our democracy because they feel parliamentarians need some knowledge of the world.
“But, if the system will continue today, then it’s crucial that MPs comply with the rules.
“And the rules state two important things. You must place your MP job first, and you must give your time and attention to the constituents who sent you to Westminster and to Parliament.
“They say you shouldn’t use your position of MP to lobby, or other intervene for any commercial interests. And it is not only that you have to register those interests – you can’t lobby or make representation while an MP on behalf of those interests.
“Those are the rules, and they should be enforced. Those who do not follow them should face penalties.”
Sir Geoffrey Cox was referred to Commons standards tsar for claims that he violated Commons rules using his parliamentary offices to give legal advice to British Virgin Islands.
After footage which appeared to show Sir Geoffrey representing the British Virgin Islands during a fraudulent commission, yesterday’s defiance was evident. The video link from his Commons office showed him doing so.
Labour called for a standards investigation, and ministers admitted using parliamentary facilities as work space is against the rules. He denied any violation.
Andrew Bowie is being viewed as a rising star and has decided to step down from his post as Conservative vice chair. He insisted he wants to focus on his Scottish constituency, but has reportedly told friends he is ‘unable to support the government’ in the wake of the Paterson row.
Ministers are trying desperately to discredit the notion of a total ban on MPs holding second jobs. Sajid Javid (Health Secretary) suggested that certain politicians might choose to quit parliament. However, he stressed that there are many benefits for the Commons from having people connected to the outside.
Labour accuses Mr Johnson, who used the day-trip from Scotland as a distraction from the sleaze rows. Many expected Johnson to travel towards the end, when negotiations are at their most critical point.
He’s also dropping plans to hold a Cabinet away day at Chequers tomorrow, and will instead meet Downing Street ministers.