Starmer kicks off #pmqs by asking if he think that lobbying rules are adequate.
PM responds with an answer on the civil service alone. Clearly Starmer's question is wider than that: "Every day there's further evidence of the sleaze at the heart of this Conservative government."
PM responds with an answer on the civil service alone. Clearly Starmer's question is wider than that: "Every day there's further evidence of the sleaze at the heart of this Conservative government."
Johnson: "This is a govt and party which has been consistently tough on lobbying."
Starmer: "Who was it who introduced the lobbying act?David Cameron. Who was it who voted for the legislation? Half of the govt frontbench. We said it wouldn't be tough enough. And where did it lead? 2 years later David Cameron camping out in the Saudi desert with Greensill."
Starmer asks if the PM is aware of any other government official who had commercial links with Greensill or any other lobbying role while working in government.
Prime Minister doesn't answer, just says if Starmer has any information he should give it to the review.
Prime Minister doesn't answer, just says if Starmer has any information he should give it to the review.
Johnson says that Starmer is being advised by Lord Mandelson who has a lobbying/strategic advice firm.
Starmer: "I haven't heard a defence that ridiculous since my last days in crown court. It's called the shoplifters' defence. Everyone else is nicking stuff so why can't I?"
Starmer: "I haven't heard a defence that ridiculous since my last days in crown court. It's called the shoplifters' defence. Everyone else is nicking stuff so why can't I?"
PM shouts "it was a good point!" (about his own point) from the front bench
Starmer: "If he thinks that was a good point he's got a problems."
Quite rare to see Starmer looking like he's enjoying himself- he does look that way today.
Starmer: "If he thinks that was a good point he's got a problems."
Quite rare to see Starmer looking like he's enjoying himself- he does look that way today.
Prime Minister accuses Starmer of "wanting MPs to mark their own homework"
Uh-huh. That would hardly be unique in Whitehall. Remember who adjudicates on the ministerial code- the Prime Minister, (on the conduct of his own minsters).
Uh-huh. That would hardly be unique in Whitehall. Remember who adjudicates on the ministerial code- the Prime Minister, (on the conduct of his own minsters).
And, once again, as I've pointed out many times because it is extraordinary, he hasn't appointed a replacement to Sir Alex Allan, the former independent adviser on the ministerial standards.
Certainly one of Starmer's stronger performances. But was often said at the start of his PMQs career that the empty chamber helped him and was problematic for PM. Today was very much the opposite. Would have been stronger still with jeering Labour benches and a sheepish Tory one.
This is the clip Starmer wants on every bulletin and the phrase he wants in every headline. After a rough political period when it’s been unclear exactly what to attack the govt about, this rich political territory opening up is welcome news for Labour.
https://twitter.com/bbcpolitics/status/1382295801905434626
Especially so given Team Starmer will feel confident this is an issue where Starmer’s character/background is one of unalloyed virtue. Though he may not strike voters as the most exciting politician in the world, on probity/honesty he polls better than Johnson.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
