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Boris Johnson news – latest: Ex-PM already planning ‘worst-case’ scenario by-election

Boris Johnson is already preparing for a “worst case” scenario in which he has to fight a by-election he is expected to lose, allies have said.

MPs investigating whether the former prime minister intentionally misled parliament over his understanding of parties in Downing Street during the pandemic could recommend a suspension of more than 10 days, triggering a contest for his Uxbridge constituency.

“He is planning for the worst case, there’s no point in waiting until they’ve delivered their verdict,” an ally told The Times.

Tory pollster Lord Hayward told The Independent there was “no question” Mr Johnson would lose to Labour in a by-election.

Meanwhile, a senior Tory MP told The Independent the Partygate inquiry and a failed rebellion on Brexit were the “death throes of the Boris cult”, saying the “dying rump” of around 20 to 30 loyalists left would not be able to rebuild support for Mr Johnson in the parliamentary party.

Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal for Northern Ireland was formally signed-off by James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, and the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic at a meeting in London.

Key Points

  • Boris Johnson steps up campaign for ‘worst case’ scenario by-election

  • Sunak is winning arm-wrestling contest with Boris Johnson | Analysis

  • Brexit done again: Sunak’s deal signed-off by EU

  • ‘Cult’ of Boris ‘in death throes’ as Tory support fades

Boris Johnson to ‘step up’ campaigning as he ‘braces for worst-case scenario by-election’

Friday 24 March 2023 10:10 , Liam James

Boris Johnson will step up campaigning in his constituency as concerns grow that he will face a by-election within months if he is found to have deliberately misled Parliament over Downing Street lockdown parties (Thomas Kingsley writes).

It comes after Tory polling guru Lord Hayward warned the former prime minister would lose his Uxbridge and Ruislip seat if he is punished severely by the cross-party committee and forced to fight for his seat.

According to The Times, Mr Johnson is planning for the “worst-case scenario”– that the committee imposes a 10-day suspension from the Commons, which could trigger a by-election.

Boris Johnson to ‘step up’ campaigning as he ‘braces for worst-case by-election’

Labour ‘overconfident’ on election win as middle-class voters coming back to Tories, says poll guru

04:35 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Britain’s middle-class voters are beginning to return to the Conservatives because they like Rishi Sunak, according to a top polling guru.

Labour has become “overconfident” in recent months, said elections expert Lord Hayward – describing the large poll leads enjoyed by Sir Keir Starmer’s party as “overestimated”.

The influential Conservative peer said: “Rishi is seriously outrating the Tory party. It has the potential – as long as Rishi doesn’t screw it up – for Rishi to drag the party up to his level.”

Labour ‘overconfident’ on election as middle-class voters ‘coming back’ to Tories

Saturday 25 March 2023 23:44 , Holly Bancroft

Thanks for following along with our political news coverage. We are pausing reporting for the night but here is the latest from Political correspondent Adam Forrest on the 2024 election prospects.

Labour ‘overconfident’ on election as middle-class voters ‘coming back’ to Tories

Pictures of the week: Boris Johnson fends of partygate allegations

Saturday 25 March 2023 23:00 , William Mata

Boris Johnson has had a busy week. Here are some of the pictures from an eventful seven days.

A protestor holds up a sign outside Downing Street (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
A protestor holds up a sign outside Downing Street (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Then-PM Boris Johnson attends a gathering celebrating his birthday – in which cake and alcohol was provided – in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street during the pandemic (Cabinet Office/PA) (PA Media)
Then-PM Boris Johnson attends a gathering celebrating his birthday – in which cake and alcohol was provided – in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street during the pandemic (Cabinet Office/PA) (PA Media)
Boris Johnson appears before MPs (PA)
Boris Johnson appears before MPs (PA)
Boris Johnson leaves his home the day before the Parliamentary hearing (PA)
Boris Johnson leaves his home the day before the Parliamentary hearing (PA)
A YouGov poll of opinions around Boris Johnson (YouGov)
A YouGov poll of opinions around Boris Johnson (YouGov)

Boris Johnson on Twitter

Saturday 25 March 2023 22:00 , William Mata

The man himself has not tweeted about partygate all week and has kept a low profile on social media.

He did, on Friday, speak at the CEO Club of Ukraine, which made his only tweet of the week.

Mr Johnson has kept up good relations with Ukraine since leaving No 10.

ICYMI: Question Time audience silent when asked if Boris Johnson was ‘telling truth’

Saturday 25 March 2023 21:00 , William Mata

Boris Johnson has been a divisive figure but an audience on Question Time showed he did not have many supporters.

Partygate reaction: ‘I missed mother’s last moments’

Saturday 25 March 2023 20:00 , William Mata

Mick Yates’s mother is buried (Mick Yates)
Mick Yates’s mother is buried (Mick Yates)

Having missed her last moments due to Covid restrictions, Mick Yates stood two metres apart from his brothers as his mother’s coffin was lowered into her grave on 26 June 2020.

A week before, Boris Johnson had been photographed in a room full of at least 30 people celebrating his birthday at a time of strict lockdown rules.

Find out what Mr Yates thinks about partygate in our article here.

Tory pollster: 'Boris Johnson would lose Uxbridge by-election’

Saturday 25 March 2023 19:00 , William Mata

Boris Johnson earlier this week (AFP via Getty Images)
Boris Johnson earlier this week (AFP via Getty Images)

Boris Johnson’s attempt at a political comeback is “finished”, according to senior Tory Caroline Nokes after his torrid grilling by MPs at the televised Partygate inquiry hearing.

And a Tory polling guru said the former prime minister would lose his Uxbridge and Ruislip seat if he is punished severely by the cross-party committee and forced to face a by-election in the months ahead.

Read the full article here.

Recap: 'Boris Johnson suffers double Commons humiliation over Partygate and Brexit’

Saturday 25 March 2023 18:00 , William Mata

Boris Johnson gives evidence before MPs (PA)
Boris Johnson gives evidence before MPs (PA)

ICYMI: Boris Johnson was dealt two humiliating blows in parliament on Wednesday as he was forced to plead “hand on heart” that he had not lied to MPs over Partygate while he also failed to lead a Commons revolt against Rishi Sunak.

During an occasionally bad-tempered three-hour grilling, the former prime minister defended the decision to hold parties inside No 10 during the pandemic – including one attended by his wife and his interior designer – saying they had been “necessary” for work purposes.

Kate Devlin and Adam Forrest reported here.

Partygate inquiry: what happens now?

Saturday 25 March 2023 17:30 , Martha Mchardy

Boris Johnson’s parliamentary hearing may be over, but the inquiry still has a long way to go.

The parliamentary privileges committee must now decide if the Commons was misled, and – if so – whether that was a contempt of parliament, and what punishment Mr Johnson should face, if any.

The committee is also looking at whether any potentially misleading statements from Johnson were “inadvertent, reckless or intentional” – and may look into how quickly and comprehensively such claims were “corrected”.

Boris Johnson (PA)
Boris Johnson (PA)

It’s not yet clear exactly when the committee will conclude its investigation and present its conclusion to the Commons, but it is expected to happen after Easter.

MPs will then vote to ratify or disagree with its conclusions and sanctions.

What could the committee decide?

1. Johnson is found not to have misled parliament

In this case, Mr Johnson will not be sanctioned at all. However, this is an unlikely scenario.

The ex-PM has already admitted some of his statements were misleading to MPs. This means the committee is likely to judge whether Johnson corrected his statement quickly enough, so they will be looking at whether Mr Johnson was in contempt.

2. Johnson did mislead parliament and is suspended for 10 days

Mr Johnson could be suspended from Parliamentfor10 sitting days if he is found in contempt.

The suspension would trigger a recall petition.

If 10% of eligible registered voters in Johnson’s constituency then signed the petition his seat would then be declared vacant.

A by-election to fill his seat would follow.

3. Johnson did mislead parliament and is expelled

The committee could also recommend an expulsion for the former PM. This would mean the local electorate would not have a say on whether he got to keep his seat if MPs all voted to remove him from parliament.

This is unlikely gievn his support from some backbench Tory MPs.

4. Johnson did mislead parliament, but faces a lighter punishment

Mr Johnson could be found in contempt of parliament, but the committee might suggest a different sanction.

He may have to make a written apology, apologise in person to his parliamentary peers, or receive a shorter suspension which doesn’t trigger a recall petition.

Watch the highlights from Boris Johnson’s grilling by MPs over Downing Street lockdown parties

Saturday 25 March 2023 16:30 , Martha Mchardy

Poll finds vast majority of Britons think Boris Johnson is dishonest

Saturday 25 March 2023 15:30 , Martha Mchardy

The vast majority of Britons think Boris Johnson is dishonest, a new poll has found after the former prime minister insisted he did not lie to MPs over Partygate during a heated inquiry hearing.

The YouGov poll found that 72 per cent of Britons think Mr Johnson is dishonest, while 51 per cent of Conservative voters and 59 per cent of pro-Brexit voters polled believe the same.

Martha McHardy reports:

New poll finds vast majority of Britons think Boris Johnson is dishonest

Recap: what you might have missed

Saturday 25 March 2023 14:30 , Martha Mchardy

A parliamentary inquiry, conducted by the Commons privileges committee, is investigating whether Boris Johnson deliberately or recklessly misled the Commons with his statements about Partygate.

If he is found to have done so, he could be suspended as an MP – potentially triggering a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.

During an occasionally bad-tempered three-hour grilling, the former prime minister defended the decision to hold parties inside No 10 during the pandemic – including one attended by his wife and his interior designer – saying they had been “necessary” for work purposes.

Boris Johnson (PA)
Boris Johnson (PA)

It also emerged that Mr Johnson had been explicitly warned against claiming that all Covid guidance had been followed – but did so anyway.

Here, we summarise the key points from the inquiry so far:

Mr Johnson:

  • said he would have been “utterly insane” to knowingly lie to parliament, after swearing an oath on the Bible

  • described holding leaving drinks for No 10 staff during lockdown as “essential”

  • said staff in No 10 “didn’t touch each other’s pens” during the pandemic, but admitted that “of course” they had passed each other drinks at events

  • complained of the “manifestly unfair” process in the hearing

Mr Johnson is now preparing for a “worst case” scenario in which he has to fight a by-election he is expected to lose, allies have said.

The Partygate inquiry must not be derailed by the bluster of a known liar

Saturday 25 March 2023 13:30 , Martha Mchardy

Impartiality is vital and the MPs looking into the former prime minister will put fair process ahead of political party allegiance, writes Dominic Grieve

Dominic Grieve: The Partygate inquiry cannot be derailed by bluster from a known liar

Covid victims’ families react to Boris Johnson’s Partygate probe: ‘I missed mother’s last moments’

Saturday 25 March 2023 12:30 , Martha Mchardy

Having missed her last moments due to Covid restrictions, Mick Yates stood two metres apart from his brothers as his mother’s coffin was lowered into her grave on 26 June 2020. A week before, Boris Johnson had been photographed in a room full of at least 30 people celebrating his birthday at a time of strict lockdown rules.

Mr Yates’ mother Doris – “frail but fully with it” – died aged 93 of Covid-19 and pneumonia on 29 May, three days after she fell ill. Mr Yates, from Wiltshire, said the Covid restrictions in place at the time made it too difficult to be by his mother’s side in Burton Upon Trent before she died.

Mick Yates’ mother Doris. (Mick Yates)
Mick Yates’ mother Doris. (Mick Yates)
Mick Yates’ mother Doris’ funeral. (Mick Yates)
Mick Yates’ mother Doris’ funeral. (Mick Yates)

Only he, his wife, two siblings and their wives were able to attend the funeral. “My mum was quite popular, and she did want to have a funeral where people could come along,” said the 73-year-old. “But that wasn’t possible. That was the worst side of it, that my mum’s own wishes couldn’t be fulfilled.”

He said he understood the rules “were there for good reasons” but the social distancing made the day of the funeral “incredibly poignant”. The rules also meant the family had to go their separate ways straight afterwards.

Mr Yates said, for him, it was Mr Johnson’s sheer “lack of responsibility” that was hard to bear. “I just don’t understand the mindset that says ‘not me guv’ - it’s totally disingenuous,” he said. “His track record is not good - this is just the icing on the cake. I think the whole circus around it is disrespectful to the general public.”

Delaying planned increase in state pension age will cost more than £60bn, IFS warns

Saturday 25 March 2023 11:30 , Joe Middleton

Failing to increase the state pension age to 68 as the government had planned could cost the taxpayer more than £60bn, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned.

The decision to bring forward the rise by seven years – so that it comes into effect between 2037 and 2039, rather than between 2044 and 2046 – was first announced by Theresa May’s government in 2017. The plan would mean millions of people being left waiting an extra year for their pension.

Ministers had until recently been expected to confirm the decision in their review of the pension age, which is due to be published by May this year. The government is legally required to publish such a review every six years.

Delaying planned increase in state pension age will cost £60bn, IFS warns

TikTok ban: UK parliament and Scottish government block app amid alarm over security

Saturday 25 March 2023 11:00 , Joe Middleton

TikTok has been banned in the UK parliament and its network, as well on Scottish government devices, in the latest blow for the app.

The new measures were announced as TikTok launched an attempt to avoid a complete ban in the US, during hearings in Congress. They came at the same time as its chief executive, Shou Chew, told US politicians that the app was safe – but that he could not guarantee that the Chinese government cannot influence its content.

The UK’s parliament announced that the app will be blocked from “all parliamentary devices and the wider parliamentary network”, and pointed to concerns about security.

TikTok banned from more devices amid alarm over security

Boris Johnson should quit as MP, says daughter of woman who died from Covid during Downing Street party

Saturday 25 March 2023 10:30 , Joe Middleton

A woman whose mother died of coronavirus just days before one of the Downing Street parties has called for Boris Johnson to quit as an MP after he denied “hand on heart” lying to MPs over rule-breaking.

Naomi Fulop, who was prevented by restrictions from being with her siblings to grieve properly or have a full funeral, said it was clear the former prime minister had not been honest with the Privileges Committee investigating his statements.

Prof Fulop told The Independent: “It’s totally clear to me and I think to most of the population that he was telling people to do one thing and doing something else himself because he thinks the rules don’t apply to him.”

Johnson should quit, says daughter of woman who died during Downing Street party

Keir Starmer praises Margaret Thatcher for views on law and order

Saturday 25 March 2023 10:00 , Joe Middleton

ICYMI: ‘Cult’ of Boris Johnson ‘in death throes’ as Tory support fades

Saturday 25 March 2023 09:30 , Joe Middleton

This week’s double parliamentary humiliation marked the “death throes” of the Boris Johnson “cult” with only a rump of loyalists now supporting him, Tory MPs have said.

The former prime minister was forced to plead “hand on heart” that he had not lied to MPs over the Partygate scandal.

He also failed to lead a successful Commons revolt against Rishi Sunak’s post-Brexit agreement, which passed the Commons by a huge majority of 486.

‘Cult’ of Boris Johnson ‘in death throes’ as Tory support fades

ICYMI: Watch as Sunak welcomes Israeli prime minister to Downing Street amid backdrop of protests

Saturday 25 March 2023 09:00 , Joe Middleton

Watch as Rishi Sunak welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, to 10 Downing Street.

The pair are expected to hold discussions amid a backdrop of anti-judicial review protests in Mr Netanyahu’s home nation.

His departure to the UK was delayed as activists attempted to block his path to the airport, as he made his way to Europe for the third weekend in a row.

Watch as Sunak welcomes Israeli prime minister to Downing Street

Why Andrew Bailey’s remark on prices has raised eyebrows

Saturday 25 March 2023 08:30 , Joe Middleton

As an attempt at moral suasion it doesn’t even make sense, says Sean O’Grady.

Why Andrew Bailey’s remark on prices has raised eyebrows

Liz Truss ‘trying to create a new peer for every 10 days in office’

Saturday 25 March 2023 08:00 , Joe Middleton

Liz Truss has been accused of trying to reward failure following reports that she plans to create a peer for every 10 days she spent in office.

The former prime minister is reported to have nominated at least four new members of the House of Lords, despite having been in post for only 49 tumultuous days.

The names on her resignation honours list include a Tory donor and a former long-time aide, according to reports.

Liz Truss ‘trying to create a new peer for every 10 days in office’

ICYMI: Partygate: Boris Johnson apologises for 'inadvertently misleading' House

Saturday 25 March 2023 07:30 , Joe Middleton

ICYMI | Tom Peck: Boris Johnson looked more prime suspect than prime minister at his Partygate hearing

Saturday 25 March 2023 07:00 , Emily Atkinson

At 2pm, into a de facto courtroom in Westminster, walked the world’s worst liar.

Rather unluckily for him, he was on trial for lying, and had very little choice but to spend the next three-and-a-half hours trying to lie his way out of it. And though the consequences were predictable, they were no less spectacular for it.

Read Tom Peck’s latest political sketch here:

Johnson more prime suspect than prime minister at his Partygate hearing | Tom Peck

Covid victims’ families react to Boris Johnson’s Partygate probe: ‘I missed mother’s last moments’

Saturday 25 March 2023 06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Having missed her last moments due to Covid restrictions, Mick Yates stood two metres apart from his brothers as his mother’s coffin was lowered into her grave on 26 June 2020. A week before, Boris Johnson had been photographed in a room full of at least 30 people celebrating his birthday at a time of strict lockdown rules.

Throughout the pandemic, countless people were in Mr Yates’ position, unable to be with loved ones when they died, and banned from hugging family and friends at funerals – if they were even able to attend. Meanwhile, the then-prime minister attended gatherings at Downing Street, flouting the very rules he was supposed to be enforcing as part of attempts to curb the virus’ spread and reduce pressure on the NHS.

Mr Yates and an NHS worker, who lost three friends in 2020, have shared their experiences during a week when Boris Johnson endured a fraught showdown with MPs who are investigating whether he intentionally misled Parliament over the parties.

Covid victims’ families react to Boris Johnson Partygate probe

Watch: Keir Starmer praises Margaret Thatcher for views on law and order

Saturday 25 March 2023 06:00 , Emily Atkinson

ICYMI: Protests as Sunak welcomes under-fire Israeli PM Netanyahu to Downing Street

Saturday 25 March 2023 05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Benjamin Netanyahu was greeted by shouts of “shame” from pro-democracy protesters as he met Rishi Sunak in Downing Street amid a backlash over the Israeli prime minister’s judicial overhaul.

Protesters waving Israeli flags and placards stating their aim of “saving Israeli democracy” could be heard as the UK Prime Minister shook his counterpart’s hand outside No 10 on Friday morning.

Protests as Sunak welcomes under-fire Israeli PM Netanyahu to Downing Street

ICYMI | Boris Johnson to ‘step up’ campaigning as he ‘braces for worst-case scenario by-election’

Saturday 25 March 2023 05:00 , Emily Atkinson

Boris Johnson will step up campaigning in his constituency as concerns grow that he will face a by-election within months if he is found to have deliberately misled Parliament over Downing Street lockdown parties.

It comes after Tory polling guru Lord Hayward warned the former prime minister would lose his Uxbridge and Ruislip seat if he is punished severely by the cross-party committee and forced to fight for his seat.

According to The Times, Mr Johnson is planning for the “worst-case scenario”– that the committee imposes a 10-day suspension from the Commons, which could trigger a by-election.

My colleague Thomas Kingsley reports:

Boris Johnson to ‘step up’ campaigning as he ‘braces for worst-case by-election’

Rishi Sunak urged to block Liz Truss’s reported resignation nominations

Saturday 25 March 2023 04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Former prime minister Liz Truss reportedly nominating four close supporters for peerages as part of her resignation honours has sparked outrage among Opposition MPs.

Rishi Sunak urged to block Liz Truss’s reported resignation nominations

Liz Truss ‘trying to create a new peer for every 10 days in office’

Saturday 25 March 2023 04:00 , Emily Atkinson

Liz Truss has been accused of trying to reward failure following reports she plans to create a peer for every 10 days she spent in office.

The former prime minister is reported to have nominated at least four new members of the House of Lords, despite being in post for less than 50 tumultuous days.

The names on her resignation honours list include a Tory donor and a former long-time aide, according to the Sun.

Our politics and Whitehall editor Kate Devlin has the details:

Liz Truss ‘trying to create a new peer for every 10 days in office’

Two thirds do not believe Johnson’s partygate defence, polling suggests

Saturday 25 March 2023 03:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

More than two-thirds of people do not believe Boris Johnson’s defence of Downing Street partygate events, a snap poll has suggested.

The former prime minister has accepted that he attended five of the gatherings considered by the Privileges Committee but said he “honestly believed that these events were lawful work gatherings”.

Mr Johnson submitted written evidence in his defence this week before appearing in front of the committee on Wednesday for at times short-tempered testimony lasting more than three hours.

Two thirds do not believe Johnson’s partygate defence, polling suggests

Met Police commissioner privately admits force is institutionally racist despite public denials, Labour claims

Saturday 25 March 2023 03:00 , Emily Atkinson

Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has privately admitted in the past that there is institutional racism in the force, two Labour MPs have claimed.

Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent Central and and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Streatham, said that commissioner Rowley had agreed there was an issue with institutional racism in the force in previous meetings, but that he had backtracked due to “pressure” from the government.

Martha McHardy has more:

Met Police commissioner privately admits force’s institutional racism, Labour claims

Chris Blackhurst: We’ve set a trap for ourselves on Sunak and Starmer’s tax returns

Saturday 25 March 2023 02:00 , Emily Atkinson

For years, the Daily Mail and others have propounded the theory that the highest paid public employee in the country should be the prime minister, writes Chris Blackhurst.

They’ve gone further and used the salary – currently £164,951 – as the yardstick by which even private sector wages are measured. So we read that someone earns five times what the prime minister makes, which is another way of saying they’re greedy and paid too much.

We’ve set a trap for ourselves on Sunak and Starmer’s tax returns

Editorial: The Bank of England will need steady hands to keep the country from recession

Saturday 25 March 2023 01:00 , Emily Atkinson

After the matinee panto performance of Boris Johnson as Pinocchio in the latest Westminster Palace of Varieties production, the Bank of England brings the nation back to reality with a bump – that is, another upwards bump to the mortgage and credit card bill.

Read our latest editorial here:

Editorial: Bank will need steady hands to keep country from recession

Sturgeon jokes about lie-in on first day of life after government

Saturday 25 March 2023 00:00 , Emily Atkinson

Outgoing first minister Nicola Sturgeon has joked she may “have a lie-in” on Wednesday morning - her first without any government responsibilities in 16 years.

Speaking to LBC Radio on Friday as she completed her last official engagement as first minister, Ms Sturgeon said stepping away from government will be a “wrench”.

She opened a £33 million orthopaedics facility at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on Friday, just days before the SNP leadership race ends and her successor is announced.

She said: “The adjustment after 16 years in government to not being in government is going to be really difficult.

“Wednesday morning is the first time in 16 years I will wake up with no government responsibilities.

 (PA)
(PA)

“I don’t yet know what I’m going to do. Maybe have a lie-in.

“I’ve taken up hillwalking, I’ll maybe go for a walk up a hill somewhere.”

Ms Sturgeon also shared a story about breaking her arm as a child when her grandmother’s dog pulled her over, in a nod to the National Treatment Centre that was being opened.

She said: “I’ve only broken one bone in my life, it was my arm and I got pulled off my feet by my gran’s dog and ended up in accident and emergency in the then Kilmarnock Hospital on a Saturday night.

“But that’s, so far, touch wood, the only time I’ve broken a bone.”

Labour will deliver where SNP failed on renewable jobs for Scotland, says Starmer

Friday 24 March 2023 23:00 , Emily Atkinson

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is promising a renewable energy jobs boost under plans which put Scotland at the heart of efforts to transform the UK into a “clean energy superpower”.

Sir Keir said Labour’s green prosperity plan would more than double the number of low-carbon jobs in Scotland - with the party promising more than 50,000 new direct and indirect jobs will be created in the renewable energy sector in Scotland alone over a decade.

While former first minister Alex Salmond once famously pledged that Scotland would be the “Saudi Arabia of renewable marine energy”, Sir Keir said the SNP in power had “chased the headlines but not done the work”.

 (PA Wire)
(PA Wire)

He insisted: “Labour will deliver lower bills, good jobs, and energy security for Scotland, as Britain leads the world in the fight against climate change.”

The Labour leader was speaking as he visited the giant Beatrice wind farm off the Caithness coast in the far north of Scotland.

Currently Scotland’s largest operational offshore wind farm, the development has 84 turbines and is capable of generating enough electricity to power about 450,000 homes.

Bank of England boss warns firms that raising prices will trigger higher interest rates

Friday 24 March 2023 21:00 , Emily Atkinson

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has warned businesses that raising prices to “beat inflation” will force further rises in interest rates.

He urged companies to think twice before putting up prices, a day after the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee hiked interest rates to a 14-year high of 4.25 per cent.

But industry leaders warned that firms could be forced to cut jobs or even go under if they followed his suggestion.

Tara Cobham and Alastair Jamieson report:

Bank of England warns interest rates will rise again if businesses hike prices

Voices:

Friday 24 March 2023 20:00 , Emily Atkinson

“A shining beacon of hope”, were the words used by British prime minister Rishi Sunak to describe Israel last year, writes Shawan Jabarin.

But for the Palestinian people, who are living under Israel’s settler-colonial apartheid regime and prolonged illegal occupation, as well as being subjected to discriminatory policies and practices manifested in almost all elements of their lives, the word hope does not come to mind.

Hope certainly didn’t come to mind when Israel’s finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the entire Palestinian village of Huwwara to be “wiped out”. Nor did it when the same far-right politician brazenly asserted “there is no such thing as a Palestinian, there is no such thing as a Palestinian people,” in Paris on 19 March.

Opinion: As Netanyahu visits the UK, we call for Israel to be held accountable

Watch: Sunak welcomes Israeli PM Netanyahu to Downing Street

Friday 24 March 2023 19:20 , Emily Atkinson

Sunak lightly challenges Netanyahu as protesters accuse Israel PM of ‘destroying democracy’

Friday 24 March 2023 18:40 , Emily Atkinson

Rishi Sunak has challenged Benjamin Netanyahu on his controversial judicial overhaul but spoke of strengthening ties as the Israeli prime minister faces a wave of protests.

Shouts of “shame” followed Mr Netanyahu to Downing Street, where hundreds of pro-democracy protesters amassed to warn against a slide towards autocracy.

Mass protests were sparked in Israel by legislation protecting Mr Netanyahu from being deemed unfit to rule, which critics say will shield him from his corruption trial.

More on this here:

Sunak lightly challenges Netanyahu as protesters accuse him of ‘destroying democracy’

Civil servants vote to strike next month

Friday 24 March 2023 18:00 , Liam James

More than 3,000 civil servants in four government departments have announced a programme of continuous industrial action from April 11.

The action by members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) will hit the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), Forestry Commission, Rural Payments Agency and Marine Management Organisation.

It marks another escalation of the union’s long-running dispute over pay, pensions, redundancy terms and job security.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “This action further ratchets up the pressure on ministers to settle our dispute. Our members are showing no sign of backing down.

Sunak in Dudley to launch Tory election campaign

Friday 24 March 2023 17:20 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak headed to Dudley in the West Midlands this afternoon to launch the Conservatives local election campaign.

Appearing with West Midlands mayor Andy Street, the prime minister met local children and was pictured behind the counter in a local fish and chip shop.

Sunak meets children outside a replica pub on a Conservative Party campaign visit to Dudley (Getty)
Sunak meets children outside a replica pub on a Conservative Party campaign visit to Dudley (Getty)
Sunak listens to Mayor Street as they visit a fish and chip shop (Getty)
Sunak listens to Mayor Street as they visit a fish and chip shop (Getty)

Letter brings Boris Johnson BBC loan row back into question

Friday 24 March 2023 16:40 , Liam James

The BBC expressed concerns to the government about the appointment process for a new chair before the controversial hiring of Richard Sharp.

Former BBC chair Sir David Clementi wrote to former culture secretary Oliver Dowden in October 2020 to voice concern from the corporation’s nominations committee about the recruitment process for his replacement.

On Friday, a spokesperson from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said: “The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments is reviewing the competition to ensure the process was run in compliance with the rules and we will await the outcome.”

Mr Sharp is facing pressure to resign amid an ongoing review after it emerged he helped former prime minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility. The BBC has declined to comment.

BBC chair Sharp outside his London home (PA)
BBC chair Sharp outside his London home (PA)

Nicola Sturgeon in final outing as first minister

Friday 24 March 2023 16:10 , Liam James

Nicola Sturgeon has carried out her final official engagement as Scotland’s First Minister, opening a £33m treatment centre for orthopaedic surgery.

The National Treatment Centre at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, is intended to address the backlog of planned care exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ms Sturgeon opened the facility on Friday, with further centres due to open this year in NHS Highland, NHS Forth Valley and at the Golden Jubilee Hospital.

It was her final act as First Minister, with the result of the SNP leadership election to replace her expected on Monday afternoon.

Sturgeon speaks to reporters after her final First Minister’s Questions yesterday (PA)
Sturgeon speaks to reporters after her final First Minister’s Questions yesterday (PA)

‘I missed mother’s last moments’: Public reacts to Boris Johnson’s Partygate

Friday 24 March 2023 15:50 , Liam James

Having missed her last moments due to Covid restrictions, Mick Yates stood two metres apart from his brothers as his mother’s coffin was lowered into her grave on 26 June 2020. A week before, Boris Johnson had been photographed in a room full of at least 30 people celebrating his birthday at a time of strict lockdown rules.

Throughout the pandemic, countless people were in Mr Yates’ position, unable to be with loved ones when they died, and banned from hugging family and friends at funerals – if they were even able to attend. Meanwhile, the then-prime minister attended gatherings at Downing Street, flouting the very rules he was supposed to be enforcing as part of attempts to curb the virus’ spread and reduce pressure on the NHS.

Tara Cobham speaks to those who were mourning as their prime minister partied:

Covid victims’ families react to Boris Johnson Partygate probe

UK must be ‘critical friend’ to Israel

Friday 24 March 2023 15:30 , Emily Atkinson

The UK must be “a critical friend” and challenge Israel over its controversial judicial overhaul, foreign affairs committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns has said.

The Conservative MP told BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme: “This is the time for the UK to work out what it means to be a critical friend to Israel and make sure that, yes, we continue to trade and to work together on security co-operation, because they are a key partner, but also that we listen to our Jewish communities. And this, the biggest response and loudest response I’ve ever seen from a Jewish community to Israeli policies.”

 (EPA)
(EPA)

She said the UK must “look from the outside and judge where we can make a difference to end suffering, to promote prosperity, and to make sure that the rights of individuals are not violated on all sides, and that everyone can live not feeling under threat.”

Ms Kearns added: “The UK has a key role here and a key voice. If politicians feel silenced, if there is a lack of debate amongst the political class, then we are in a very dangerous position.”

Rishi Sunak is winning his arm-wrestling contest with Boris Johnson

Friday 24 March 2023 15:10 , Liam James

Andrew Grice takes a tally after a rough week for Boris Johnson:

It was a good week for the prime minister and bad one for his predecessor-but-one.

A Johnson-led revolt by Eurosceptics against Sunak’s deal with the EU fizzled out and Johnson’s very uncomfortable hearing before the Commons Privileges Committee leaves him in deep trouble over claims he lied to parliament over Partygate.

Sunak’s strong performance in recent weeks and Johnson’s woes have killed the prospect of Johnson mounting a coup and remarkable comeback before the general election. Crucially, Sunak now has a cushion against expected Conservative losses in the May local elections in England, which Johnson’s fan club hoped would provide his springboard.

UK and EU hail ‘constructive atmosphere’ after new Brexit deal formally adopted

Friday 24 March 2023 14:45 , Emily Atkinson

In a joint statement by foreign secretary James Cleverly and the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic, the pair spoke of the “constructive atmosphere” at Friday’s joint committee meeting.

Here is their statement in full:

“The European Union and the United Kingdom today held the tenth meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and second meeting of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement Partnership Council in London.

“The meetings took place in a constructive atmosphere building on the excellent co-operation between the Foreign Secretary and the Vice-President over recent months.

“The Joint Committee welcomed the positive approach of both sides and adopted the new arrangements set out in the Windsor Framework.

“These arrangements address, in a definitive manner, the challenges in the operation of the protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland over the last two years and the everyday issues faced by people and businesses in Northern Ireland, while supporting and protecting the Good Friday or Belfast Agreement in all its parts, and protecting the integrity of the European Union’s single market, and Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom’s internal market.

“Both sides agreed to work together intensively and faithfully to implement all elements of the Windsor Framework. The United Kingdom and European Union also reaffirmed their intent to use all available mechanisms in the framework to address and jointly resolve any relevant future issues that may emerge.”

Sunak acts ‘in national interest’ says No 10 after tax vote raised

Friday 24 March 2023 14:20 , Liam James

Downing Street has said that government decisions are made “in the national interest, rather than personal interest”, after reports Rishi Sunak saved more than £100,000 due to a cut in capital gains tax he voted for in 2016.

A No10 spokesman said: “That was before he was in government, but of course all ministers are British taxpayers, so they will be affected by the generality of tax policy, but ministers make decisions on the basis of the national interest, rather than personal interest.

“If you look at the Budget in 2022, for example, the decision to reduce the 45 per cent tax threshold would actually mean the prime minister would pay more income tax, so decisions are made in the national interest, not in the individual’s interest.”

He said: “The prime minister pays the income tax that is due to ensure government can continue to fund public services.”

Sunak’s deal gets formal sign-off

Friday 24 March 2023 13:40 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal for Northern Ireland has been formally signed off at an official meeting in London, as both the UK and the EU hope for better relations in the future.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic chaired a meeting to formally adopt the new arrangements for Northern Ireland, after the Government won the backing of MPs for the Windsor Framework earlier this week.

The vote by MPs in favour of regulations to implement the Stormont brake, a key part of the Windsor agreement, came despite former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss joining the Democratic Unionist Party and hardline Brexit-backing Tory MPs in voting against the deal.

The formal sign-off, which is understood to have happened mid-morning on Friday, comes as Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s party continues to oppose the deal brokered by the government, with no sign of the DUP yet being willing to return to powersharing.

Sunak raises two-state solution with Netanyahu

Friday 24 March 2023 12:55 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak reiterated his support for a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine dispute in his meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Downing Street said, emphasising the government’s long-standing view that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal.

A No 10 spokesman told journalists: “The prime minister’s said before, he’s raised the importance of de-escalating tensions in the West Bank and he’s reiterated our support for the two-state solution.

“As you know, our long-standing position is that settlements are illegal under international law and are contrary to the cause of peace. But, again, I’m not going to get into the specifics of the conversation they had.”

Netanyahu leaves No 10 after meeting Sunak (EPA)
Netanyahu leaves No 10 after meeting Sunak (EPA)

Keir Starmer praises Margaret Thatcher for views on law and order

Friday 24 March 2023 12:10 , Liam James

Sir Keir Starmer hailed Margaret Thatcher as “right” on crime as he launched Labour’s law and order plan.

The Labour leader namechecked the divisive former Tory prime minister as he vowed to put tackling crime at the heart of his bid for victory in the next general election.

Boris Johnson should quit as MP, says daughter of woman who died from Covid during Downing Street party

Friday 24 March 2023 11:40 , Liam James

A woman whose mother died of coronavirus just days before one of the Downing Street parties has called for Boris Johnson to quit as an MP after he denied “hand on heart” lying to MPs over rule-breaking (Jane Dalton writes).

Naomi Fulop, who was prevented by restrictions from being with her siblings to grieve properly or have a full funeral, said it was clear the former prime minister had not been honest with the Privileges Committee investigating his statements.

Prof Fulop told The Independent: “It’s totally clear to me and I think to most of the population that he was telling people to do one thing and doing something else himself because he thinks the rules don’t apply to him.

“I would like him to resign as an MP. I don’t think he should be one because he denigrates our parliamentary system.”

Johnson should quit, says daughter of woman who died during Downing Street party

Sunak welcomes Israeli PM to Downing Street

Friday 24 March 2023 11:10 , Liam James

Benjamin Netanyahu has met Rishi Sunak at No 10 as the Israeli prime minister faces a wave of protests over his judicial overhauls that critics say will drag the nation towards autocracy.

They could clearly hear the loud shouts of “shame” in Hebrew from protesters waving Israeli flags and placards stating their aim of “saving Israeli democracy”.

One sign opposite the gates of Downing Street on Friday morning branded Mr Netanyahu a “dictator on the run”.

His right-wing nationalist coalition has approved legislation that would protect him from being deemed unfit to rule.

Critics say the law is tailor-made to shield the leader from his corruption trial.

Sunak greets Netanyahu on No 10 doorstep (Reuters)
Sunak greets Netanyahu on No 10 doorstep (Reuters)
Anti-Netanyahu protesters gather opposite Downing Street (AFP/Getty)
Anti-Netanyahu protesters gather opposite Downing Street (AFP/Getty)

Boris Johnson 'has fire burning in him’ for power

Friday 24 March 2023 10:40 , Liam James

Boris Johnson has a “fire burning in him” that draws him to seek a return to power, according to a journalist who has spent years following the former prime minister closely.

Tom McTague, political editor of UnHerd, said Mr Johnson was discussing Mr Johnson's political prospects on LBC with Andrew Marr.

Though even Tory MPs say their former leader is ”finished”, Mr McTague argues Mr Johnson will not be swayed from pursuing higher office.

“It's like a fire burning in him ... If it wasn't still burning why would he fight so hard. Why wouldn't he go to the States and make all of these millions that he is making?” Mr McTague asked.

Question Time: How many audience members thought Boris Johnson was telling the truth

Friday 24 March 2023 10:00 , Liam James

Roles were reversed for a moment on Thursday’s BBC Question Time, with host Fiona Bruce asking the audience a question.

“Let’s have a show of hands shall we? Who believes Boris Johnson was telling the truth [to the Privileges Committee]?” she asked, as the cameras turned to the studio audience.

Not a single one of them raised their hand.

Watch below on Independent TV:

This is how many Question Time audience members thought Johnson was telling the truth

Rishi Sunak saved over £300,000 due to capital gains tax cut he voted for

Friday 24 March 2023 09:40 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak has been able to save more than £300,000 on his tax bill in recent years because of a cut to the capital gains rate he voted for back in 2016 (Adam Forrest writes).

The prime minister has raked in more than £4.7m over the past three years and paid £1m in tax, a summary statement published on Thursday revealed.

But his tax bill would have been £308,000 higher if the Tories hadn’t cut the top rate of capital gains tax from 28 per cent to 20 per cent under David Cameron.

At the time of the 2016 tax cut, Mr Sunak told parliament he was confident it would be welcomed by wealthy investors – saying the move had “generated a fresh wave of enthusiasm for investing in British companies”.

Rishi Sunak saved over £300,000 due to capital gains tax cut he voted for

Starmer pays more tax than Sunak despite vast income gap

Friday 24 March 2023 09:12 , Liam James

Sir Keir Starmer is paying a far greater proportion of his earnings in tax than Rishi Sunak despite the Prime Minister making 10 times more.

The Labour leader paid £118,580 in tax on earnings of £359,720 over the last two years, the summary of his tax return showed. That made his effective tax rate 33 per cent.

Mr Sunak, who earned £3.7 million over the same period, paid a rate of about 22 per cent in tax because most of his earnings came from capital gains.

Income tax on salaries is charged at a higher rate than on capital gains, which cover assets such as properties and shares.

‘Cult’ of Boris Johnson ‘in death throes’ as Tory support fades

Friday 24 March 2023 08:25 , Liam James

A senior Tory MP told The Independent that the Partygate inquiry and the Brexit vote were the “death throes of Boris cult”, saying the “dying rump” of around 20 to 30 loyalists left would not be able to rebuild support for him in the parliamentary party (Adam Forrest writes).

A former Conservative minister put Mr Johnson’s support among MPs at around 25. He predicted that could recover “slightly”, but estimated that it could rise to “40 max”.

‘Cult’ of Boris Johnson ‘in death throes’ as Tory support fades

Sunak’s Brexit deal to be formally signed today

Friday 24 March 2023 08:02 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal for Northern Ireland will be formally signed off today at an official meeting in London, amid hopes that better UK-EU relations can see benefits in other areas.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic will together chair a meeting that will see the UK and the EU formally adopt the new arrangements for Northern Ireland, after the government won the backing of MPs for the Windsor Framework earlier this week.

The vote by MPs in favour of regulations to implement the Stormont brake, a key part of the Windsor agreement, came despite former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss joining the Democratic Unionist Party and hardline Brexit-backing Tory MPs in voting against the deal.

Putting up prices will only lead to more inflation, says Bailey

Friday 24 March 2023 07:50 , Liam James

The Bank of England’s boss has warned that raising prices could lead to higher inflation which will hurt the “least well off”.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Bank’s governor Andrew Bailey said: “I would say to people who are setting prices – please understand if we get inflation embedded, interest rates will have to go up further and higher inflation really benefits nobody.”

He added: “If all prices try to beat inflation we will get higher inflation.”

Mr Bailey said higher inflation “really benefits nobody”, adding: “It hurts people, and it particularly hurts the least well off in society.”

Boris Johnson planning ‘worst case’ scenario

Friday 24 March 2023 07:32 , Liam James

Boris Johnson is already preparing for a “worst case” scenario in which he has to fight a by-election he is expected to lose, allies have said.

If the Privileges Committee recommends he be suspended for more than 10 days, Mr Johnson would be forced into a contest for his Uxbridge constituency.

“He is planning for the worst case, there’s no point in waiting until they’ve delivered their verdict,” an ally told The Times. “He’ll be ready regardless of the outcome.”

The Labour candidate in a potential election has promised “honesty and integrity” in politics.

Watch: Boris Johnson is 'finished', says senior Tory Caroline Nokes

Friday 24 March 2023 07:00 , Emily Atkinson

How Rishi Sunak made his money

Friday 24 March 2023 06:00 , Emily Atkinson

Rishi Sunak’s vast fortune was thrust centre stage once again following the publication of his personal tax affairs.

The long-awaited tax documents cover the past four years, and summarise Mr Sunak’s UK taxable income, capital gains and tax paid as reported to HMRC, prepared by accountancy service Evelyn Partners.

The prime minister raked in more than £4.7m over the past three years, the tax return revealed – making more than £1.9m last year alone, including £1.6m in capital gains and more than £300,000 in earnings and investment income.

More on this here:

How Rishi Sunak made his money

John Rentoul: Keir Starmer’s promises on crime will come back to bite him

Friday 24 March 2023 05:00 , Emily Atkinson

Keir Starmer had a good moment at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday. Rishi Sunak accused Labour of being soft on crime, and Starmer retorted: “The only criminal investigation that the prime minister has ever been involved in is the one that found him guilty of breaking the law.”

Keir Starmer’s promises on crime will come back to bite him | John Rentoul

Watch: Parliament blocks TikTok in latest ban on Chinese-owned app over security fears

Friday 24 March 2023 04:00 , Emily Atkinson

Tom Peck: Boris Johnson looked more prime suspect than prime minister at his Partygate hearing

Friday 24 March 2023 03:00 , Emily Atkinson

At 2pm, into a de facto courtroom in Westminster, walked the world’s worst liar, writes Tom Peck.

Rather unluckily for him, he was on trial for lying, and had very little choice but to spend the next three-and-a-half hours trying to lie his way out of it. And though the consequences were predictable, they were no less spectacular for it.

Johnson more prime suspect than prime minister at his Partygate hearing | Tom Peck

Keir Starmer’s tax return reveals he paid higher rate than Rishi Sunak last year

Friday 24 March 2023 02:00 , Emily Atkinson

Sir Keir Starmer was effectively taxed at a rate of nearly 32 per cent in the past financial year, while the prime minister, a multimillionaire, paid tax in effect at just over 22 per cent, analysis by The Independent shows.

The Labour leader earned £126,154 in salary as an MP and leader of the opposition, on which he paid £43,103 in income tax, according to his newly published tax return for 2021-22.

He also earned nearly £85,000 in capital gains from the sale of a house that he helped his sister to buy. On that, he paid £23,930 in tax.

More from Jane Dalton and Kate Devlin here:

Keir Starmer paid higher rate of tax than Rishi Sunak last year, returns reveal

Watch: Tearful Nicola Sturgeon receives standing ovation after final First Minister speech

Friday 24 March 2023 01:00 , Emily Atkinson

Rishi Sunak saved over £300,000 due to capital gains tax cut he voted for

Friday 24 March 2023 00:00 , Emily Atkinson

Rishi Sunak has been able to save more than £300,000 on his tax bill in recent years because of a cut to the capital gains rate he voted for back in 2016.

The prime minister has raked in more than £4.7m over the past three years and paid £1m in tax, a summary statement published on Thursday revealed.

But his tax bill would have been £308,000 higher if the Tories hadn’t cut the top rate of capital gains tax from 28 per cent to 20 per cent under David Cameron.

More from our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin and political correspondent Adam Forrest here:

Rishi Sunak saved over £300,000 due to capital gains tax cut he voted for

Sunak-Rama joint statement continued...

Thursday 23 March 2023 23:00 , Emily Atkinson

The joint statement by Rishi Sunak and Edi Rama went on: “On criminal justice co-operation, the leaders welcomed ongoing joint work on extraditions, prosecutions and forensics capabilities, and the removal of hundreds of prisoners under existing agreements.

“They agreed that a joint UK-Albanian team will conduct an assessment of Albania’s prison capacity - to be concluded by the end of April - with a view to returning all eligible Albanian nationals in the UK prison system.

“Finally, the prime ministers welcomed progress on business and university cooperation, including the launch of the new British Chamber of Commerce in Albania, a doubling of the market risk appetite for UK export finance support for Albania to £4 billion to facilitate investment, and the deepening of links between UK and Albanian universities.”

 (EPA)
(EPA)

Sunak and Rama promise to work together on illegal migration

Thursday 23 March 2023 22:00 , Emily Atkinson

Rishi Sunak and Albanian prime minister Edi Rama promised to work together to tackle illegal migration and people-smuggling gangs, according to a joint statement after they met.

Here’s the statement in full:

“The leaders set out their shared ambition to broaden and deepen the UK-Albania relationship, co-operating on addressing global and regional threats and strengthening our bilateral partnership.

“They noted significant opportunities to grow trade, investment and technology links, and Prime Minister Sunak again welcomed the significant contribution of the long-standing Albanian community in the UK to British life,” the statement said.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

“As Nato allies, fellow members of the UN Security Council and close partners, the leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to working together to protect the security of our citizens, defend democracy and promote human rights, including through a robust international response to aggression by Russia. This will include assisting Albanian cyber defence to protect against online threats.

“Prime Minister Sunak and Prime Minister Rama committed to deepen work under the Joint Communique and Taskforce agreed in December, to take forward our shared priority on tackling illegal migration and criminal people-smuggling gangs.

“They discussed increased operational co-operation, including joint upstream communications to deter people from travelling in the first place, and further agreements on data sharing and passports. The leaders welcomed progress to date, with around 800 illegal migrants returning to Albania since December, action on organised crime and new UK guidance designating Albania a safe country.”

Boris Johnson should quit as MP, says daughter of woman who died from Covid during Downing Street party

Thursday 23 March 2023 21:00 , Emily Atkinson

A woman whose mother died of coronavirus just days before one of the Downing Street parties has called for Boris Johnson to quit as an MP after he denied “hand on heart” lying to MPs over rule-breaking.

Naomi Fulop, who was prevented by restrictions from being with her siblings to grieve properly or have a full funeral, said it was clear the former prime minister had not been honest with the Privileges Committee investigating his statements.

Prof Fulop told The Independent: “It’s totally clear to me and I think to most of the population that he was telling people to do one thing and doing something else himself because he thinks the rules don’t apply to him.

My colleague Jane Dalton has more:

Johnson should quit, says daughter of woman who died during Downing Street party

Watch: Starmer criticises 'Boris Johnson circus' as he lays out Labour's crime and policing agenda

Thursday 23 March 2023 20:00 , Emily Atkinson

Scottish government bans officials from using TikTok

Thursday 23 March 2023 19:30 , Emily Atkinson

The Scottish government has banned social media app TikTok from its mobile phones and other corporate devices following discussions with the UK government.

The move comes after the UK government banned the app on its phones amid fears of sensitive data being accessed by the Chinese government - though Beijing’s embassy in the UK has hit out at the move.

Deputy first minister John Swinney said on Thursday the ban will begin immediately.

 (PA Wire)
(PA Wire)

He said: “Devices managed by the Scottish Government are configured in line with best practice from the National Cyber Security Centre, which helps us to manage any risk associated with the use of third-party applications.

“Our decision to prohibit the use of TikTok follows engagement with the UK Government on the potential tracking and privacy risks from certain social media apps.

“Currently there is limited use of TikTok within Government and limited need for staff to use the app on work devices. This ban will be implemented immediately. It does not extend to personal devices used by staff or the general public.”

NI Brexit deal to be formally signed off on Friday

Thursday 23 March 2023 19:00 , Emily Atkinson

Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal for Northern Ireland will be formally signed off on Friday at an official meeting in London, after MPs voted this week to back the Windsor Framework.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly and the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic will together chair a meeting that will see the UK and the EU formally adopt the new arrangements for Northern Ireland, a deal sealed last month following protracted negotiations.

 (PA Wire)
(PA Wire)

MPs on Wednesday overwhelmingly backed regulations to implement the Stormont brake, a key part of the Windsor Framework, despite former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss joining the Democratic Unionist Party and hardline Brexit-backing Tory MPs in voting against the deal.

The formal sign-off comes as Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s party continues to oppose the deal brokered by the Government, with no sign of the DUP yet being willing to return to powersharing.

Edi Rama urges Sunak to ensure safety of Albanian refugees

Thursday 23 March 2023 18:30 , Emily Atkinson

Albania’s prime minister said he wants all Albanians in the UK to feel “safe” and “honoured”, after earlier criticising the home secretary’s “disgraceful” rhetoric about migrants from his country.

Speaking alongside Rishi Sunak, Edi Rama said his visit to Downing Street is “an opportunity to underline that just as all Britons are not James Bond or Mr Bean, not all Albanians are some characters out of Taken”.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Mr Rama told Mr Sunak in No 10 on Thursday: “Dua Lipa is not just simply a British singer, but she’s an Albanian immigrant that has come here, as many have come to construct, to nurse, to cook and to sing for you, and we want to make sure that this community feels not only safe but feels honoured here.

“And the rotten apples are our common objective to be gone after and to win this battle.”

Sunak welcomes Albanian PM to No 10

Thursday 23 March 2023 18:00 , Emily Atkinson

Edi Rama said he was “very honoured” to be the first Albanian premier to visit 10 Downing Street.

He told Rishi Sunak ahead of their full talks: “I’m very honoured. As you know, this is the first official visit of an Albanian prime minister in this historic and admirable building. And I thank you for that.

“It’s a particular moment in our cooperation. As you said, we are joining forces with full conviction that we have to make the utmost to crack down the criminal networks and also to avoid for innocent people to get into the hook of these networks.”

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

‘Cult’ of Boris Johnson ‘in death throes’ as Tory support fades

Thursday 23 March 2023 17:26 , Emily Atkinson

This week’s double parliamentary humiliation marked the “death throes” of the Boris Johnson “cult” with only a rump of loyalists now supporting him, Tory MPs have said.

The former prime minister was forced to plead “hand on heart” that he had not lied to MPs over the Partygate scandal.

He also failed to lead a successful Commons revolt against Rishi Sunak’s post-Brexit agreement, which passed the Commons by a huge majority of 486.

Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin and political correspondent Adam Forrest have more:

‘Cult’ of Boris Johnson ‘in death throes’ as Tory support fades

Carol Vorderman in row with women’s minister

Thursday 23 March 2023 16:55 , Emily Atkinson

Carol Vorderman has called on the women’s minister to resign after she could not “be bothered to turn up” to a committee hearing about the menopause - but the politician has accused the TV presenter of not dealing in facts.

Maria Caulfield took to Twitter a day after the Women and Equalities Committee session to say she had been unable to attend as she was with campaigners at a meeting “which had been in the diary for months”.

The MP, who is also minister for women’s health strategy, tweeted that she was “not a punch bag” and said anyone who posted “misleading information” about her would be blocked on the social media platform.

Former Countdown star Vorderman posted a screenshot on Twitter indicating she had been blocked by the Government minister, and wrote: “Maria, show some respect & RESIGN.”

When challenged by another Twitter user about blocking Vorderman, Ms Caulfield replied: “She hasn’t pointed out facts. I couldn’t attend yesterday as I was seeing women campaigners against painful hysteroscopy which had been in the diary for months. I have given alternative dates to the committee and they are the facts.”

The committee said it had invited Ms Caulfield to appear before members to discuss the Government’s plans for action on menopause in the workplace “but the Minister refused the invitation”.

Committee chairwoman Caroline Nokes confirmed at the end of Wednesday’s session that Ms Caulfield is expected to appear for a hearing in June.

Starmer shares tax return

Thursday 23 March 2023 16:34 , Emily Atkinson

Sir Keir Starmer’s tax statement shows he made capital gains of £85,466 in the financial year 2021/22, on which he paid £23,930 in capital gains tax.

It said the sum reflected his share of the capital gains when his sister decided to sell a house he had helped her buy.

That was on top of his £126,154 income for being an MP and Leader of the Opposition.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

RIP Brexit – the great dividing force has finally lost all its power | Voices

Thursday 23 March 2023 16:20 , Liam James

Sean O’Grady’s take on the day Brexit finally ‘got done’:

Whatever the fate now of Boris Johnson – which can no longer include a return to power – there is hope in the spring air.

Hope, that, after some seven years of Brexit agonies, our long national nightmare may be drawing to a close. Like Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and so many other of the dramatis personae, Brexit is slowly but perceptibly fading into the distance, morphing from live national debate into a topic for lively historical debate, rather like the Iraq War, Suez or appeasement before it.

Increasingly, and thankfully, it seems to be losing its power to divide families and friends, and to poison our political system. There’s no denying that the malign economic, cultural and geopolitical consequences of Brexit will reverberate for years (if not decades) to come, and no doubt we’re worse off out; but there is some sense that the British have at last become exhausted by civil war.

RIP Brexit – the great dividing force has finally lost all its power | Sean O’Grady

Rees-Mogg ‘too full of bantz’, says Penny Mordaunt

Thursday 23 March 2023 15:53 , Liam James

Commons leader Penny Mordaunt has suggested that critics of the Privileges Committee “might have been too full of bantz”.

Arch loyalist Jacob Rees-Mogg, who was in the room supporting Boris Johnson during Wednesday’s evidence session, said his friend was “doing very well against the marsupials”, a reference to the charge the former prime minister was facing a “kangaroo court”.

Ms Mordaunt told MPs during Commons Business questions: “I would gently point out to those colleagues who have mentioned, for example, marsupials that they might have been too full of bantz when they made those remarks.

“The committee needs to get on with its work.”

Mr Johnson, like his allies, has sought to discredit the committee, yesterday accusing members of prejudice.

Boris Johnson would lose constituency in by-election, says Tory pollster

Thursday 23 March 2023 14:52 , Liam James

A Tory polling guru said the former prime minister would lose his Uxbridge and Ruislip seat if he is punished severely by the cross-party committee and forced to face a by-election in the months ahead.

Lord Hayward told The Independent: “Although the position for the Conservatives is improving, under current circumstances the Tories would lose a by-election in Uxbridge. There’s no question the party would face defeat to Labour.”

The Tory polling expert said it was “difficult to judge” whether Mr Johnson’s own appeal could defy the grim national polling for the Tories. “If the Lib Dems choose to compete hard against Labour, it might just make it possible it could be saved,” he said.

Boris Johnson would lose Uxbridge by-election, says Tory pollster

Fund food banks with plastic bag charge, says Labour MP

Thursday 23 March 2023 14:28 , Liam James

Money raised from plastic bag charges in supermarkets should be used to fund food banks, ministers have been told.

Labour MP Barry Sheerman made the suggestion after warning “the food bank network is crumbling”.

He was speaking in the Commons during an urgent question on food price inflation, and urged environment minister Mark Spencer to address demand on food banks.

The single-use plastic carrier bag charge in England was introduced in supermarkets in 2015 and increased from 5p to 10p in 2021.

Nicola Sturgeon in emotional goodbye

Thursday 23 March 2023 14:00 , Liam James

Nicola Sturgeon held back tears as she delivered a final thank you to the people of Scotland in her final First Minister’s Questions.

She said: “Whether you voted for me or not ... thank you so much for placing your trust in me.

“Words will never adequately convey the gratitude and the awe I hold in my heart for the opportunity I have had to serve as your First Minister. It truly has been the privilege of my lifetime.”

Ms Sturgeon last month announced her intention to resign, citing exhaustion.

Sturgeon at her final FMQs in Holyrood (Reuters)
Sturgeon at her final FMQs in Holyrood (Reuters)

Boris Johnson is ‘finished’, says senior Tory after Partygate hearing

Thursday 23 March 2023 13:39 , Liam James

Boris Johnson’s attempt at a political comeback is “finished”, according to senior Tory figure after his torrid grilling by MPs at the televised Partygate inquiry hearing (Adam Forrest writes).

The former prime minister is struggling to revive his political career after the cross-party committee investigating his Partygate denials denounced the “flimsy” assurances they were based on.

Ex-cabinet minister Caroline Nokes said Mr Johnson’s unlikely comeback hopes were “finished”, as the committee suggested he had failed to correctly interpret his own Covid guidance or seek proper advice.

Boris Johnson is ‘finished’, says senior Tory after Partygate hearing

Boris Johnson 'acted outside of good faith’ with Sinn Fein

Thursday 23 March 2023 13:20 , Liam James

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that Boris Johnson‘s government was not “upfront” with unionism, and was determined to act “in a unilateral fashion”.

Ms McDonald, leader of Ireland’s opposition, also said she had found Mr Johnson‘s tenure as prime minister difficult and frustrating, adding that there was a tendency to act “outside of good faith”.

She was speaking as the former Tory leader voted against a key element of the latest EU-UK deal on the protocol.

The Windsor Framework unveiled by Rishi Sunak last month was hailed as a significant breakthrough in outstanding problems with post-Brexit trade in Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday, Mr Johnson staged a failed rebellion against the deal. Members of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party were among the 29 MPs to vote against the Stormont brake aspect of the deal, with 515 voting in favour of it.

Rishi Sunak’s £4.7m earnings ‘positive’, says Tory chair as tax campaigners call for change

Thursday 23 March 2023 13:00 , Liam James

Rishi Sunak’s huge earnings are “a positive” because wealthy people pay a lot of tax, Conservative chairman Greg Hands has said (Adam Forrest writes).

Mr Hands described Mr Sunak’s earnings and tax bill as a “positive”, saying “we want to have, in this country, wealthy people paying a lot of tax”.

He told ITV’s Peston: “I think we should be proud of the fact that people are paying tax in this country and proud of the fact they’re financing our excellent public services.”

Rishi Sunak’s £4.7m earnings ‘positive’, says Tory chair amid calls for change

Boris Johnson shows no respect for ‘national sacrifice’ – Starmer

Thursday 23 March 2023 12:32 , Liam James

Labour’s leader said the “circus of the last few days” around Boris Johnson’s Privileges Committee hearing was a reminder of the former prime minister’s “total disrespect for a national sacrifice”.

Sir Keir Starmer said: “That’s why I found the pandemic parties in Downing Street under Boris Johnson so reprehensible.

“The circus of the last few days – a reminder of his total disrespect for a national sacrifice.

“That’s why I said I’d resign, if I’d broken those same rules. I just couldn’t have looked the British people in the eye and asked for their trust.”

Rishi Sunak ‘glad’ to have published his tax returns

Thursday 23 March 2023 12:10 , Liam James

The prime minister said he was “glad” to have published his tax returns “in the interests of transparency”.

Sunak ‘married well’, says Tory pollster

Thursday 23 March 2023 12:00 , Liam James

Asked if Rishi Sunak’s tax return, showing the PM made more than £4.7m in three years, Tory peer and pollster Lord Hayward told Sky News: “Everybody knows he is a rich man.”

He added: “He married well. He has got a big income but he has disclosed it. People have to judge it on that basis. But it doesn’t come as a surprise that he is a rich man.”

Boris shedding support in Tory ranks?

Thursday 23 March 2023 11:30 , Liam James

Boris Johnson’s disastrous Wednesday will have more than halved his number of supporters in the Tory party, a former minister estimate.

Speaking to The Guardian, the unnamed Conservative said: “Before today, I thought there was a rump of 60-70 supporters in the party who could resurrect Boris. Now I’d put that number at about 25.”

Sturgeon faces final First Minister’s Questions

Thursday 23 March 2023 11:00 , Liam James

Turning away from Boris Johnson for a moment to mark the closing days of Nicola Sturgeon’s time as First Minister of Scotland:

Nicola Sturgeon today faces her final First Minister’s Questions after more than eight years as head of the Scottish Government.

The SNP leader announced last month she was stepping down from her role, saying she no longer has the stamina to carry on.

In Holyrood this afternoon, the 52-year-old will face off for the last time against Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

Afterwards she will give her final statement to Parliament as Scotland’s First Minister and on Friday will carry out her last official engagement.

Sturgeon in the chamber yesterday (Getty)
Sturgeon in the chamber yesterday (Getty)

Boris ‘perfectly reasonable’ to think leaving drinks met Covid guidance

Thursday 23 March 2023 10:30 , Liam James

Former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said it was “perfectly reasonable” for Boris Johnson to think No 10 leaving dos were in the remit of Covid regulations.

Speaking to TalkTV about Mr Johnson’s appearance before the Privileges Committee, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “The rule on what you could do in a workplace were essentially a ‘best efforts’ rule in terms of social distancing. If you had to be in an office, you had to be in an office and you had to do your best to maintain social distancing.

“But you were allowed to carry on with the ordinary business of an office, and therefore it was perfectly reasonable of the prime minister to think that the farewell events that were held were the ordinary business of the office.”

He added: “ It is quite clear from yesterday that the prime minister spoke in good faith.

More from Mr Rees-Mogg below:

New poll finds vast majority of Britons think Boris Johnson is dishonest

Thursday 23 March 2023 10:00 , Liam James

The vast majority of Britons think Boris Johnson is dishonest, a new poll has found after the former prime minister insisted he did not lie to MPs over Partygate during a heated inquiry hearing.

The YouGov poll found that 72 per cent of Britons think Mr Johnson is dishonest, while 51 per cent of Conservative voters and 59 per cent of pro-Brexit voters polled believe the same.

It comes after the former prime minister faced a tense showdown at the Commons Privileges Committee on Wednesday over whether he lied to MPs with his denials of lockdown-busting parties held in Downing Street.

New poll finds vast majority of Britons think Boris Johnson is dishonest

Rishi Sunak asked about Boris Johnson’s Partygate committee reference

Thursday 23 March 2023 09:38 , Liam James

Boris Johnson yesterday tried to drag Rishi Sunak into the Privileges Committee investigation over Partygate.

Mr Johnson said his former chancellor did not understand why he got a fixed penalty notice for attending a lockdown-breaching event.

Asked about the remark, Mr Sunak said: “Well I can’t obviously comment on an ongoing parliamentary process, I’ll let that play out, and with regard to myself, I addressed that at the time, apologised unreservedly for what happened.”

Boris by-election spells ‘serious problems’ for Tories, says pollster

Thursday 23 March 2023 09:15 , Liam James

A by-election in Boris Johnson’s seat could “cause serious problems” for the Conservative Party, according to a Tory pollster.

Should the Privileges Committee find the former prime minister to have been in contempt of Parliament after offering assurances that Covid rules were followed during partygate, it could call for a suspension and MPs could trigger a by-election if the suspension is for 10 days or more.

Tory peer Lord Hayward, asked on Sky News what a potential by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip could mean for the Conservatives, said: “It would cause serious problems.

“The party doesn’t want a by-election. My guess is that if there were a by-election, certainly on current polls we would lose the constituency and therefore it’s something that is there but we can’t prejudge what the committee will decide.”

Asked about Mr Johnson’s popularity with Tory members, Lord Hayward replied: “I think his support is diminishing and his impact on the party is diminishing the longer that Rishi Sunak is Prime Minister.”

Boris ‘won in court of public opinion’, claims Rees-Mogg

Thursday 23 March 2023 08:53 , Liam James

Arch-loyalist Jacob Rees-Mogg claimed Boris Johnson had “won” public support with his defences – despite them being met with exasperation by multiple members of the cross-party panel of MPs grilling him.

The Tory MP told Channel 4 News: “Boris Johnson today has won in the court of public opinion.”

He added: “I think that if Boris Johnson went to a by-election he would win it comfortably. Because I think he’s winning in the court of public opinion, who see this as a kangaroo court.”

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