Boris Johnson has ‘big function to play’ in Conservative Party – cupboard minister

Boris Johnson has a “huge role to play” in the way forward for the Conservative Party, in accordance with one cupboard minister, whereas a staunch ally of the ex-prime minister urged “the left” to depart him alone.

The Conservative MPs have been talking following final week’s revelation that Mr Johnson’s diaries from when he was in Number 10 have been handed to the police by the federal government resulting from issues about additional breaches of lockdown guidelines.

Mr Johnson paid a hard and fast penalty discover final yr after the police decided he had damaged his personal COVID legal guidelines.

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Lawyers defending the federal government on the official COVID inquiry just lately examined Mr Johnson’s itinerary from the time, and have been later referred to regulation enforcement, with stories his conferences confirmed folks visiting Chequers whereas restrictions have been in place.

Mr Johnson described the claims he broke the foundations as “nonsense” when chatting with Sky News.

Asked if Mr Johnson’s time as a politician was over, Health Secretary Steve Barclay informed Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “No, I think Boris has a huge role to play.”

He cited the previous prime minister’s management on Ukraine and the COVID vaccine rollout as examples of his good qualities.

Mr Barclay added that he “of course” needs to see Boris Johnson return as a member of parliament after the following election, as with all his Conservative colleagues.

Andrea Jenkyns, who was seen wiping away tears when Mr Johnson resigned from Downing Street, defended him on the identical programme.

“There’s a real hatred from the left of Boris Johnson, which I haven’t seen since Thatcher’s funeral, to be honest,” she mentioned.

The MP accused Mr Johnson’s opponents of an “orchestrated” effort to topple him as prime minister.

Ms Jenkyns additionally sought guilty the Civil Service, saying “more transparency” is required from civil servants – calling for them to publish a register of pursuits and “relations with not solely the media, however the shadow cupboard as effectively“.

She mentioned folks ought to “leave Boris alone now” – stating that his spouse, Carrie, is “closely pregnant“.

Ms Jenkyns additionally defended a message she despatched to Conservative colleagues by which she referred to as for much less “sanctimony and hypocrisy” – including that “those at the top are not doing anything about this to bring people together”.

She informed Sky News she was speaking about folks like Simon Hoare, who she mentioned was “quite vitriolic” when Theresa May was prime minister.

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Ms Jenkyns revealed that at one level she blocked messages from the present chief whip, Simon Hart, resulting from his actions.

But she added she doesn’t desire a change in management, regardless of criticising Rishi Sunak.

She thinks it could hurt the probabilities of the Conservatives profitable the following common election – scheduled for subsequent yr.

This comes regardless of her tweeting the hashtag “BBBJ” – convey again Boris Johnson – final week.

‘Whole system not match for objective’

Sir Chris Bryant, a Labour MP who can also be chair of a Commons requirements committee, referred to as for a rethink of how MPs and ministers are investigated for his or her conduct.

The Commons privileges committee is at present investigating whether or not Mr Johnson intentionally misled MPs about partygate.

Sir Chris has recused himself from the probe, as he believes the previous prime minister is responsible.

His issues come following Rishi Sunak’s announcement that he wouldn’t launch an investigation into Suella Braverman for the best way she dealt with a dashing ticket.

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Sir Chris mentioned: “My worry is that we have so many organisations and so many different rules that it’s actually very difficult for the public – and for that matter politicians – to understand who’s who, who governs, who regulates what particular bit of the ministerial code, the civil service code.

“And I feel all of that is ripe for reform – the entire system is just not match for objective anymore.”