Former Conservative Chief Whip says Boris Johnson’s attack (“smear”) made against Keir Starmer relating to Jimmy Savile “cannot be defended.” Says such “personal slurs” are “dangerous” and “corrode trust.”
So much happened yesterday this significant subplot is in danger of being lost but especially with some of the older guard of Tory MPs, it is doing the Prime Minister real damage.
The question now will be whether the Prime Minister withdraws the remark in the House tomorrow. He will almost certainly be invited to at PMQs.
So that’s the PM’s own Deputy and his own spokesman refusing to repeat something the PM himself said at the dispatch box of the House of Commons yesterday.
The normally erudite Gove unable to find consistent line on this. Says PM shouldn’t apologise and was legitimate to raise issue. Then says out of deference to the families of Savile’s victims he’ll say no more. When asked why PM raised it then praises Starmer for actions at CPS.
Enormous story. Mirza is one of the PM's longest-standing lieutenants and key members of his inner circle. Worse for BJ is what she says:"I believe it was wrong for you to imply this week that Keir Starmer was personally responsible for allowing Jimmy Savile to escape justice..."
"...This was not the usual cut and thrust of politics; it was an inappropriate and partisan reference to a horrendous case of child sex abuse. You tried to clarify your position today but, despite my urging, you did not apologise for the misleading impression you gave."
"Even now, I hope you find it in yourself to apologise for a grave error of judgement made under huge pressure. I appreciate that our political culture is not forgiving when people say sorry, but regardless, it is the right thing to do. It is not too late for you but.."
NEW: Ofgem confirms that the domestic energy price cap will increase by *£693* from April.
That’s an increase of 54%.
Hard to overestimate just how impactful that will be on (i) the family finances of millions who are struggling (ii) politics.
Also true to say that without amelioration, such an increase may mean many who aren’t quite struggling now, will be as the year progresses (especially when combined with other inflationary pressures).
Bear in mind that in 2019 15% of households in England were already living in fuel poverty. That’s over 3 million.
Opening from Keir Starmer to Tory MPs: “Theirs is the party of a Winston Churchill. Our parties stood together as we defeated fascism...now their leader stands in the House of Commons parroting conspiracy theories of violent fascists to try and score cheap political point.” #PMQs
Starmer knows what he’s doing there. Tapping into deep unease on at least part of the Conservative benches.
Starmer: “He knows exactly what he is doing. It is time to restore some dignity.”
NEW: This is a copy of the foreword to the Levelling Up White paper due tomorrow- written by Michael Gove and Andy Haldane and seen by Newsnight. They say they want to create a country where “by staying local, you can go far.”
Michael Gove will announce 12 missions tomorrow, actual metrics against which levelling up will be judged. This is the full table from an internal govt document. Includes everything from Living Standards, to digital connectivity, to education, to “pride in place.”
You’ll notice 2030 is the key date used repeatedly. Various metrics of economic growth across regions is the first mission and here are the full explanatory and technical notes we’ve seen from within the Dept as to what they mean by it.
Conservative MP for Waveney says Boris Johnson should resign and has submitted a letter to Sir Graham Brady. Says he’s never taken such an act against a Conservative leader before (he’s been an MP since 2010).
“Whilst I am conscious that others will disagree with me, I believe that this is in the best interests of the country, the Government and the Conservative Party.”
Today the government wants to talk about “levelling up.” But half an eye will be on the number of letters in possession of Graham Brady trickling up. Defence Select Committee Chair, Tobias Ellwood has now submitted one 👇
PM is asked again whether or not he was at the flat on the evening of 13th November. He again refuses to answer saying he won't comment before police inquiry concludes.