Related video: Speaker tells MP not to raise Boris Johnson’s comments about Muslims in parliament
Boris Johnson could seek to reshuffle his ministers in July should he survive the Partygate scandal, with one well-placed MP telling The Independent: “Boris is someone who rewards loyalty and there are a lot of people who very noticeably failed to show it.”
Those supportive of the prime minister believe the delay in publishing Sue Gray’s final report into lockdown-busting events at No 10 has helped divert attention away from the campaign to oust him – and that he will survive a confidence vote by MPs, even if he is fined by police.
It comes as it was revealed that a Metropolitan Police officer responded to a silent alarm accidentally set off during one of the No 10 parties, but failed to take any action. Deputy Met Commissioner Steve House told the London Assembly police committee that an officer involved in the incident “has been spoken to” as part of the ongoing probe.
Asked why the officers assigned to protect Downing Street had not prevented alleged lawbreaking, Sir Steve said: “If we find officers knew what was going on and should have intervened we will follow up on that.”
Follow live updates below
Good morning
Hello, Sam Hancock here, welcome to another day of The Independent’s live UK politics coverage.
It’s Wednesday, which means one thing: Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) at 12pm. We’ll bring you live updates from that when it gets going.
Elsewhere, Boris Johnson is under fire after a version of the Met Police questionnaire he was forced to answer was leaked, revealing the PM was questioned under caution.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest.
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 08:11
Johnson ‘first PM to be questioned under caution’ over Partygate
Boris Johnson has become the first prime minister to be questioned under caution by police, a leaked copy of Scotland Yard’s Partygate questionnaire for Downing Street staff suggests.
As part of its investigation into allegations of 12 events in breach of coronavirus rules – six of which Mr Johnson is reported to have attended – the Metropolitan Police has sent questionnaires to all those suspected of rule-breaking.
According to a copy of the documents, published by ITV News on Tuesday night, recipients are informed at the outset that they have an opportunity to provide “a written statement under caution”. It also appears to tell recipients they “do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court”, and advises them to “ensure the caution is read and understand prior to any answers to questions being provided”.
Our political editor Andrew Woodcock has more:
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 08:19
Parliamentary schedule for Wednesday 23 February
Here’s a list of the sessions scheduled to take place in Westminster today.
11.30am Women and equalities questions
12pm Prime Minister’s Questions
12.40pm A 10-minute rule motion on Energy Pricing (Off Gas Grid Households)
Labour-led Opposition Day Debates
A short debate on support for levelling up rural communities in Cumbria
3.34pm Refugees (Family Reunion) Bill – committee stage
Age Assurance (Minimum Standards) Bill – committee stage
Elections Bill – second reading
Passenger, Crew and Service Information (Civil Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 – motions to approve and regret
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 08:23
Experts fear leaked questionnaire shows Met probe ‘not thorough’
There has been some interesting commentary around the leaked Met Police questionnaire, most of which judges that detectives have fashioned an overly simplistic list of questions that gives recipients too much wiggle room.
Paul BrandITV’s UK editor, who broke the story last night, laid out some of the key takes last night.
One of them, by criminal law barrister Andrew Keoghis that questionnaire itself “suggests that this is not a thorough investigation” by the Met.
Mr Keogh told ITV the questions posed are “as basic as you can possibly imagine them to be”.
Another, by former Met Police chief superintendent Dal Babu echoes that sentiment:
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 08:33
PM ‘completely co-operating’ with police, says Truss
Our politics reporter Adam Forrest has this:
Liz Truss said Boris Johnson is “completely co-operating” with police inquiries in relation to allegations of rule-breaking parties in Downing Street.
Asked if Boris Johnson should resign if he is fined, she told Sky News: “The PM is completely co-operating with the police inquiries that are taking place.
“I support the PM 100 per cent … I think he’s doing a fantastic job. And we have to allow those police inquiries to continue. I can’t comment on an ongoing investigation.”
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 08:50
Minister refuses to rule out sanctions on Tory donors with Russia links
More from Liz Truss now, who has refused to rule out slapping sanctions on Conservative Party donors with links to Russia, while vowing to “inflict more pain” on Vladimir Putin’s regime.
The cabinet minister defended the “very serious package” of sanctions announced on Tuesday, despite widespread criticism from both Tory and Labour MPs that the measures do not go far enough.
Ms Truss said the UK has a “long list” of people complicit in the actions of the Russian leadership, who the government is willing to “turn up the heat” on unless Moscow pulls back its forces.
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 08:55
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 08:57
Billions lost and risked due to fraud and error in Covid schemes – MPs
Government has risked and lost “unacceptable” billions due to fraud and error in key Covid support schemes, a new report warns.
In a blistering assessment, the chair of the Public Accounts Committee said the mistakes, waste, and openings for fraudsters “will all end up robbing current and future taxpayers of billions of pounds”.
MPs on the committee said there was a lack of preparedness and “weakness” in systems — concluding the total cost of government losses remained “uncertain”.
Our political correspondent Ashley Cowburn reports:
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 09:27
Watch: Truss grilled over Tory donations linked to Russia
Liz Truss grilled over Tory donations linked to Russia
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 09:29
Truss: Ofcom must decide whether Russia Today ‘propaganda’ continues
Foreign secretary Liz Truss says it is up to regulator Ofcom to decide what kind of content the Russia-backed RT network continues to broadcast in the UK, following calls for a crackdown.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called on the government to tackle the “propaganda” put out by the state-controlled channel, formerly known as Russia Today.
Responding, Ms Truss attacked the channel for disseminating “fake news” on behalf of the Kremlin – and suggested that Ofcom should “look” at what it broadcasts, writes Adam Forrest.
Sam Hancock23 February 2022 10:00