Boris Johnson again refused to apologise for the Owen Paterson sleaze debacle tonight as he insisted MPs’ second jobs ‘strengthen democracy’ – but swiped at Geoffrey Cox saying their ‘primary’ duty is to the Commons.
During a conference in Glasgow at the COP26 summit, Tories were subject to a torrent of questions.
Johnson repeatedly dodged questions on his willingness to apologize for failing to change standards rules. This was in response, he said.
Although he indicated that there had been many years of outside work for politicians, he said it could not have included paid lobbying. And that it would be impossible to put their jobs as MPs first.
The crisis shows no sign of easing today, with former Attorney General Sir Geoffrey sounding defiance after coming under more fire over his £1million-a-year legal work.
Video footage has surfaced that appears to show an eminent QC representing British Virgin Islands in a fraud commission via video link from his Commons Office.
Labour demanded that a standard probe be conducted, and ministers admitted that parliamentary facilities are not allowed for use in order to do work.
As the chaos threatens to sweep the party, Mr Johnson announced that he will not be attending a Cabinet away-day tomorrow at Chequers.
Andrew Bowie is being viewed as a rising star and has decided to step down from his post as Conservative vice chair. Although he stated that he would like to be focused on his Scottish constituency in the aftermath of Owen Paterson, friends claim that he has told them he’s unable support the government.
Ministers tried to discredit the notion of a ban on all MPs from 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 accused Johnson of using his day trip to Scotland as an ‘distraction’ from the sleaze-row. The reason the prime minister chose to travel today is not clear. Many had expected that he would go at the beginning of the week, when negotiations are at their climax.
Boris Johnson pictured at today’s COP26 Summit, where he leads the press conference
Johnson today at COP26, where he hopes to accelerate negotiations to deal on climate change.
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.
Today, Mr. Bowie stated that he wants to “focus on representing my constituents.”
Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband stated that he suspects the prime minister views a visit to the COP on a day as a way to distract from the Tory party’s scandals rather than a chance for him to grasp the substance and act like a stateman.
“It is high time Boris Johnson recognized that he’s not a commentator, but must take responsibility for a summit which isn’t on track to deliver.
Johnson, who was criticised for flying to and from Glasgow last week when he started the gathering, arrived by train at the COP26 summit.
According to Tory sources, the Vice-chair position will be available for Mr Bowie if he wishes to return.
But a friend told the Reaction website: ‘He doesn’t want to make a fuss but he’s unable to support the government after the events of recent days.’
The majority vote for the MP of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine is narrow. In 2019, the seat was held by 843 votes, despite the SNP surge.
Following a 19 point swing in favour of the Tories, Bowie received a majority almost 8000 when he was elected for his first time.
Gordon Brown (Labour ex-PM) said that as Johnson is under increasing pressure, he would support an ‘outright banning’ of MPs from ‘using public offices for private gain.
According to him, BBC Radio 4’s Today program stated that if there is a conflict of interests, a public officer should not be used for private gain. This has been my belief since childhood.
“I believe there are three problems that need to be addressed. One is these conflicts of interest – we’ve got to have tighter rules. Secondly, we’re now dealing with dubious appointments, for example, to the House of Lords – we’ve got to do something about this – and, thirdly, I think there’s a bigger issue emerging about foreign money entering British politics.
“All of these issues must be dealt with, or this Parliament will grow to be more sleaze-oriented and identify with private interests over what is what the MPs should represent: the public interest.
Sir Geoffrey finally came out fighting today over his £1m-a-year legal sideline saying the chief whip approved him going to the Caribbean while the Commons sat.
Mark Spencer was the target of the former Attorney General, who insisted it was for Devon voters to decide if they would like to have their case represented by a “senior and distinguished” QC.
He denied that he had violated rules when he attended a British Virgin Islands corruption commission hearing via videolink.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister was present at today’s COP26 summit in Glasgow.
Johnson wants to include rocket boosters as part of the climate negotiations. But, Johnson could find himself in serious trouble due to ongoing sleaze row.
After many days of silence and allegations, Sir Geoffrey emerged from cover.
Boris Johnson is desperately struggling to contain the wider sleaze furore after his abortive bid to save Owen Paterson from punishment for lobbying. A press conference will take place at 4.30pm to grill the PM. Johnson had hoped to concentrate on progress at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.
Sir Geoffrey posted a statement on his website stating that he works 70 hours per week and ensures his constituents’ casework is of primary importance.
He stated that spending weeks on British Virgin Islands in spring made no impact, as it was impossible or unfeasible to have a face-to face meeting at the time.
The statement stated that ‘In regard to the use proxy, he had consulted Chief Whip prior to his visit in the BVI and was informed that it was appropriate’.
“Sir Geoffrey” believes that the voters of Torridge or West Devon should decide whether to vote for someone who has been a distinguished senior professional in their field, and still practices this profession.
The local Conservative Association has held this view for many years. His political adversaries have tried to highlight his profession at every election. However, the consensus view has been shared by the Torridge voters and West Devon. Sir Geoffrey will abide by the decision of their committee.
The bullish stance came after a stormy phone conversation with the chief whip last night, in which Sir Geoffrey was ordered to spend more time in Parliament.
Sources within the Government said that Mr Spencer had “reminded” him of his need to physically be in Parliament and represent his constituents.
After revelations that he was working in the Caribbean tax haven, the former cabinet minister has been severely rebuked
The chair of the standards committee, Labour MP Chris Bryant, said this morning that the regulations against using parliamentary offices for outside business were ‘really important’.
‘You might end up occasionally meeting other people in your office but you’re not meant to run a commercial operation out of your taxpayer-funded office either in Parliament or in your constituency – it’s a really important, I’d have thought, kind of basic rule,’ he told BBC Breakfast.
Sajid Javid (Health Secretary) was asked whether MPs would be allowed to use their office in connection with work tied to another job. He answered, “No.”
While Mr Javid said MPs should spend the majority of their time on constituency and parliamentary duties, he also warned that an absolute ban could result in some politicians being forced to leave the House.
He said, “It’s fair that these rules allow flexibility. But I believe the most important thing really to be a MP, whatever they are, that is totally transparent and open, follow all the rules, so constituents and wider public that they might have other interests,’ he added.
“Also important, it’s my opinion that they spend the bulk of their time in their constituency and parliamentary affairs.”
Robert Courts from the Aviation Ministry said that there is an experience which is gained by MPs when they have jobs.
When asked about his decision to quit as a barrister, the man said that he believed he wouldn’t be able to practice law after he was elected in 2016.
“That was the choice I made. My decision was to become an MP.
“I believe the most important thing to remember is that MPs can have jobs regardless of what they are.
“We have other MPs, such as nurses and doctors. Some MPs have been able to work in front-line positions at the NHS. This makes the House of Commons more rich.