A summary of today's developments
Williamson’s letter, released on his Twitter account, says he refutes “the characterisation of these claims” regarding the further allegations, but added “I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing”.The former Cabinet Office minister said he had decided to “step back from government” while the complaints process into his conduct is carried out, vowing to “clear my name of any wrongdoing”. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said: “This is a damning reflection of a weak Prime Minister. “Rishi Sunak appointed Gavin Williamson with full knowledge of serious allegations about his conduct and repeatedly expressed confidence in him.”
A former senior civil servant who claimed Gavin Williamson told them to “slit your throat” has made a formal complaint against him. The allegations were first reported in the Guardian on Monday and included claims that Williamson, who was the defence secretary at the time, told the official on another occasion to “jump out of the window”.
Anne Milton, the former deputy chief whip Anne Milton who worked closely with Gavin Williamson when he was chief whip, claimed he used “leverage” and threats to control MPs and instil a culture of fear in Westminster.
The Conservative MP Mark Francois said that when he used the word “Japs” in the Commons yesterday, he did not mean to cause offence, and was just trying to shorten a lengthy question.
Downing Street said Rishi Sunak is not going to block Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list after Labour has argued he should.
Downing Street refused to deny reports that the UK is close to agreeing a £80m deal with France that would involve British immigration officials being stationed in French control rooms to help tackle small boat Channel crossings.
Rishi Sunak wants the UK and its allies to use the forthcoming G20 summit to “confront” Vladimir Putin or any Russian representative who attends, the PM’s spokesperson said.
Government researchers have found another 1,400 laws that will be wiped off the statute books next year by Brexit legislation tabled by Jacob Rees-Mogg in September.
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Matt Hancock has said “people will see me warts and all” and gain a perspective on the “human side of the guy behind the podium” ahead of his first full appearance on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! on Wednesday.
Hancock said: “When I’m in camp, people will just see the real me. Survival in the jungle is a good metaphor for the world I work in.
“People will see me warts and all. See the human side of the guy behind the podium. I don’t think I’ve got any fears or phobias, but I’m about to find out.”
The MP for West Suffolk’s decision to appear in the show has been criticised by the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, who said he was “very disappointed” in the former health secretary. It resulted in Hancock losing the Tory whip.
