Boris Johnson, who is currently facing Tory protests over “unforced errors”, today after a poll showed that almost two-thirds believe he should apologize for Owen Paterson’s mess.
The PM delivered a mea culpa to his own MPs last night admitting he ‘crashed the car’ with the extraordinary bid to save the ex-minister by pausing the Commons standards regime.
But research by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for MailOnline found that 63 per cent of the public think he should have said sorry – something he has pointedly refused to do.
Despite the 80-strong government majority, discontent is growing on the Conservative benches over the premier’s track record of mistakes and U-turns. This seems to have been starting to affect support from voters.
It appeared that there was a very small Tory presence at yesterday’s weekly PMQs session. These sessions are usually a chance for loud support.
Last night, not all MPs attended the vote to trigger a reform of rules for conduct and second-jobs. Many politicians find this process implausible and knee-jerk.
Red Wall grumbles are being addressed by the government today. HS2 is now out of reach, and Northern Powerhouse link to Leeds has been removed from huge package of Levelling Up’ rail improvements.
Research by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for MailOnline found 63 per cent of the public think Boris Johnson should have said sorry – something he has pointedly refused to do
Yesterday’s PMQs sessions were attended by a small number of Tory members. This is a great opportunity to show support and make loud statements.
MailOnline was told by a senior Conservative that Johnson must launch a charm offensive for the 2019 intake. He is concerned about the possibility of them not being integrated due to the pandemic. In an effort to “reach out”, he has hosted a No10 drinks reception.
“Colleagues are forced to vote in certain ways, without considering the potential damage… An undercurrent of dissatisfaction is present with our current situation.
“He’s burned through all his political capital, and that is not necessary. It is okay to have to take on difficult tasks.
“But you must be able to see the problem. It hadn’t been noticed and they panicked.
According to Mr Johnson, he had taken the right decision by speaking to the Tory backbench committee 1922 last night. However, he pointed out that there were only 150 of the approximately 365 politicians in attendance.
Redfield & Wilton surveyed 1,500 people online yesterday, with the results weighted to represent the wider population.
The statement by Johnson that he attempted to amend the standard system to respond to the Paterson case was endorsed by a third party who’strongly agrees’.
An additional 30% of respondents agreed to the agreement, while only 6% disapproved.
Last night’s private meeting of Conservative backbench 1922 Committee saw Mr Johnson take responsibility for the Government’s failed attempt to free Owen Paterson from the responsibilities after it was discovered that he had violated rules regarding paid lobbying.
“On a clear day, I drove the car into a ditch. He reportedly said to the crowd, “I will get it out of the ditch.”
Today’s round of interviews saw Dominic Raab, Deputy Prime Minister, admitting that Tories are ‘disgruntled’ but insisting ministers are dedicated to “fixing the problem”.
When questioned by Sky News about party discontent, he stated that there are always “one or another disgruntled individual” who will complain anonymously to the media.
Raab responded that it does not mean there are general unrest. While there’s always some disagreement among MPs, it’s important to know that the solution is being found.
The Commons supported Mr Johnson’s Wednesday proposal to prohibit MPs taking paid political consulting jobs and limit their time doing second jobs.
However just 297 MPs – fewer than half the total – voted for the motion, with opposition parties abstaining.
Boris Johnson, right leaving Downing Street today, has acknowledged that he made a “total error” in relation to the Owen Paterson case (left).
Four Tory MPs also voted in favour of a Labour rival motion that would have established a clear timeline for the implementation reform.
Robert Jenrick was a former cabinet minister and said that PM Blair had not been well-informed when reforming standards.
Peston from ITV said that the past two weeks have been difficult and nearly everyone would admit it was poorly managed by the Government. This has also caused damage to Parliament and the Government.
“We must act now in order to restore public trust in standards of public life and the expectations of a member of parliament.
Rachel Reeves Shadow chancellor said that the Government is not acting with urgency when dealing this issue.
According to her, the issue with Thursday’s BBC Radio 4 Today broadcast was that she did not have a timeline.
“It was not a binding vote, and as such, I fear that it will be kicked into the long grass instead of the fundamental reform people desire and require to restore faith in our democratic parliamentary system.
“I believe that being an MP and serving the public is something I’m proud of, and that’s what most MPs feel proud of. But at this moment I don’t think you’re that proud. Some people think MPs are just full of sleaze.
“I believe we must sort this quickly in order to rebuild the reputation of Parliament.
“It seems to me that the government doesn’t really feel the urgency of restoring faith and trust in our democracy through parliamentary politics.
In an interview this morning, Dominic Raab, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom admitted that Tories are ‘disgruntled’ but said ministers were committed to fixing the problem.
After weeks of tension over Mr Paterson’s suspension, Mr Johnson appeared before the 1922 Committee.
While the former Cabinet minister was found guilty of violating lobbying regulations by the Parliamentary Commission for Standards, an amendment supported by Government tried to rescue him and improve the standards process.
After backlash from the public, Paterson quit as an MP and the government retracted the proposal. But the story sparked a serious investigation into standards of public life with a particular focus on second job opportunities.
He admitted that his initial attempt to save Mr Paterson’s life was a mistake when he appeared before the Commons Liaison Committee.
He stated that although he did not intend to indict anyone, his intention was to find a way to improve the system on a cross-party basis.
“In retrospect, we were clearly mistaken to assume that the two could be conflated. Is this why I now regret my decision? Yes.