Chief Political Commentator, @theipaper. News, insight and analysis from the House of Commons. Presenter, BBC Radio 4's The Week In Westminster.
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After heated clashes with McDonnell - where McDonnell rightly pointed out how ridiculous it would be if the PM's spokesman was disciplined and no one found out about it - Case relents and says he will see what can be made public, if anything.
Disciplinary handled by Alex Chisholm
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Case: "The spokesperson offered a full apology" - [note to readers: sadly that apology was not unprompted, it only followed Qs from us journalists] and adds misleading the media "is not automatically a breach of the civil service code".
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Case says of the PM's official spokesman [reminder, this spokesman said there were no parties and Covid rules were followed at all times]: "The reason he apologised is although it’s not always an easy relationship, it is important that there is a degree of trust."
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.@ITVNewsPolitics has clipped the key bits;
"I can give you an absolute assurance that a full disciplinary process is underway..."
Public comment on outcome unlikely but 'I recognise the assurances the committee is looking for...and see what we can do"
Cabinet Secretary Simon Case confirms a 'full disciplinary process is underway' in relation to misleading comments made by the Number 10 press office over the Partygate scandal
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Cabinet Office stresses Simon Case made clear he was not commenting on any individual disciplinary case, whether the PM's official spokesman or anyone else.
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Key exchange was this.
McDonnell: “Members of the press team are involved in the disciplinary process for misleading the press?”
Case: “All conduct in relation to these events will be considered.”
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McDonnell asked whether the public may never know if "lying toads" in "Downing Street press office"… have had disciplinary action taken against them for not upholding the civil service code.
To which Case replied "I’m not committing to giving you that information...
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But Case added: "I will take it away because I recognise the point that you are making about public interest...I should also indicate I am not the one who will take these decisions."
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With more summer strikes likely, @Keir_Starmer has stepped back from civil war within his party over frontbenchers on picket lines.
Sure to be an issue when it's @DominicRaab v @AngelaRayner #PMQs tomorrow
Tonight's #WaughOnPolitics inews.co.uk/opinion/starmer-…
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.@RishiSunak jokes at the Policy Exchange summer party about his Green Card.
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"This is a very very exclusive party, in years gone by not even my Green Card would guarantee me access."
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Then adds a dig at @Jeremy_Hunt.
"In fact rumour has it not even my colleague and friend Jeremy Hunt actually got turned away last year. Although knowing Jeremy I'm sure it won't deter him from having another go."
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This exclusive now confirmed: no Labour frontbencher will be sacked for joining @RMTunion picket line.
Instead, letters sent warning on future conduct.
📱Labour frontbenchers who joined @RMTunion picket lines were phoned on Sunday by the Opposition Chief Whip.
📨They will now receive formal letters setting out expected conduct in future. But - right now - looks like none sacked
My latest for @theipaper
inews.co.uk/opinion/keir-sta…
Show this thread
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NEW
Boris Johnson will this week push to increase the Nato defence spending pact above 2% of GDP.
He claims 🇬🇧 is already spending 2.3% but Nato data contradict this.
Comes as PM aims to head off a row with Truss & Wallace - who are both joining him in Madrid.
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.@SadiqKhan: “The decision by the HMIC [Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary] now move the Met into special measures has laid bare the substantial performance failings by the force."
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Paul Waugh retweeted
I'm... not sure about that. In my time in a govt dept press office we knew we couldn't lie when asked a question. It just... wasn't an option. The Code is clear: you can't mislead anyone.
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On whether Queen can stop a @BorisJohnson snap election:
Wragg: “You would be uncomfortable with a PM capriciously requesting of Her Majesty a dissolution?”
Case: “It would be quite wrong for the Prime Minister to put the Sovereign in a difficult position constitutionally.”
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Under the 'Lascelles principles' a Monarch can refuse a request for a gen elexn if:
- existing Parliament "vital, viable + capable of doing its job"
- elxn "detrimental to the national economy", and
- Monarch could relying on finding another PM who cd command a working majority
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Wragg question follows recent threats by allies of the PM that he could call a snap October general election.
As written here:
inews.co.uk/opinion/tory-pla…
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