Boris Johnson’s fraudstery has gotten worse today as MPs prepare to discuss the Owen Paterson lobbying bill once again, after only one Tory MP having approved it last night.
Ministers believed the Commons would “nod through” a motion to officially reverse the PM’s failed attempt at defending his ally against punishment.
It was raised at 10 PM, but only one shouted ‘Object’ from the Conservative benches.
Multiple sources identified the intervening MP, Sir Christopher Chope. He has been known to make controversial and sometimes illegal interventions in Parliament.
He is known to criticize backbenchers for proposing legislation, complaining it’s not adequately debated or too politically correct. However, he could have supported his friend Mr Paterson.
According to parliamentary conventions, ‘opposed’ motions can’t be considered after business has ended officially. This means that the government must hold a full discussion and vote today.
Even Sir Christopher’s trusted allies were furious at his “habitual” behavior this morning. MailOnline was told by a former minister: “Does it change anything?” The idea is completely pointless.
Johnson now faces another challenge after ex-chiefs of the civil service sent a letter to Johnson requesting he strengthen ministerial standards.
Multiple sources identified Christopher Chope as the opposition MP.
Following Mr Johnson’s unsuccessful attempt to destroy Parliament’s anti-sleaze laws to prevent the suspension former minister Paterson from lobbying, this latest chaos is expected.
An inquiry had found him guilty of an ‘egregious’ breach of lobbying rules on behalf of two firms which had paid him £500,000.
The plan was approved by the Prime Minister, who ordered Tory MPs support it. This narrowly won them the election.
Following a public outcry, the plan was dropped. Following the unsuccessful attempt to delay Paterson’s suspension, Mr Paterson quit his post as North Shropshire MP.
Yesterday’s motion would have quietly reversed Government plans.
Nigel Evans (Deputy Speaker) stated it’s now up to the government to reprogramme this specific motion.
Thangam Debbonaire, Labour’s Shadow Leader of the Commons, called it ‘astonishing’ and added: “You can’t make this up.
As expected, the Commons will formally repeal last week’s vote that protected Owen Paterson (ex-minister) from being removed from office for lobbying.
Two weeks ago, Tory MPs were forced by the Prime Minister to remove the Standards Rules in order to safeguard one of their own. Their mess is still not clean.
Boris Johnson was right in trying to make a U-turn at night, rather than doing the proper thing by coming to the House and apologizing for the Tory sleaze scandal.
“At this time, it does not look like the Tories can organize a party at a brewery. The Prime Minister should get to grips.
All former cabinet secretaries have called for greater powers for the Prime Minster’s Ethics Advisor and suggested that the regulator who examines the conduct of ministers after they leave office be strengthened.
The Times published a letter from cabinet secretaries Lord Butler (who served under Margaret Thatcher 1988) to Lord Sedwill who left last year’s Civil Service. They stated: “The Government has committed that it will continue to reinforce high standards in conduct in public life.”
This intervention will increase the pressure on Johnson regarding the scandalous row that has broken out since Johnson tried to rescue Mr Paterson.
The Business Secretary was made to apologise for suggesting that she should quit after Westminster’s sleaze watchdog asked her.
Kwasi Kwarteng is accused of “bullying” Kathryn Stone, Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Kathryn Stone. He said that she should reconsider her position regarding the Paterson scandal.
Last night Mr Kwarteng humiliatingly wrote Miss Stone to ask for forgiveness.
Also, he acknowledged that his remarks could have been interpreted as being ‘lower than’ the ministerial codes’ high standards. These code require ministers treat public officials with respect and consideration.
It appeared that the letter was intended to initiate an investigation into whether he had violated the code.
It was copied by Lord Geidt to advise Mr Johnson about the code.
On Sunday, Johnson admitted that he was guilty of bungling the matter, saying to reporters, ‘Ofcourse, I believe things could have been managed better. Let me say it this way, by me.
This comes just as Labour attempts to prohibit MPs acting as consultants paid for their services.
Tomorrow’s vote will be held by the party to approve measures prohibiting MPs holding any second job as consultants or directors of companies.