Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nadine Dorres could face suspension for 'plotting against partygate investigators'
29.06.2023 - 13:05
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Nadine Dorries and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, key allies of Boris Johnson, could be suspended from Parliament for their involvement in a campaign against the committee investigating the former Prime Minister's partygate conduct. According to the Privileges Committee, comments made by senior MPs, including Ms. Dorries, Sir Jacob, and Dame Priti Patel, as well as peers like Lord Goldsmith, were part of a coordinated effort to undermine the committee's work.
"The committee is particularly concerned about attacks mounted by experienced colleagues, including a serving minister of the Crown, a former leader of the House, and a former secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport", the committee stated.
The Privileges Committee urged MPs to consider whether their actions amount to a contempt of Parliament and decide on the appropriate course of action. The committee's recommendations led to Boris Johnson's resignation from Parliament in protest. The committee had recommended that Johnson should face a lengthy suspension for misleading the Commons regarding lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street.
Supporters of Johnson had branded the Labour-led but Tory-majority committee, branding it a "witch hunt" and a "kangaroo court" – with Mr Johnson found to be complicit in the campaign.
Other MPs mentioned in the report include Mark Jenkinson, Sir Michael Fabricant, Brendan Clarke-Smith, and Dame Andrea Jenkyns.
In response to the report's findings, Downing Street declined to comment and indicated that MPs would have a "free vote" on the matter. The Prime Minister's official spokesperson expressed Rishi Sunak's full confidence in Lord Goldsmith.
According to the report, the MPs who were criticised "did not choose to engage