“I believe the Prime Minister is making his recollections clear” Northern Ireland minister and close ally to the Prime Minister, Conor Burns, says he remains “fully supportive” of Boris Johnson Newsnight
Tamworth MP Mr Pincher was suspended as a Conservative MP last week after allegations of sexual misconduct. Mr Pincher says he is seeking professional medical support and has denied misconduct.Downing Street had previously said Mr Johnson was not aware of any specific allegations against Mr Pincher when, in February, he appointed him deputy chief whip - a role in which he was responsible for enforcing discipline among Conservative MPs.
Day by day this means ministers are being sent out with lines to take that disintegrate within hours of them being said out loud - not only humiliating for the ministers concerned but toxic for trust in the leadership of the party, and the country. And even those still supportive are worn down by what they see as the persistent own goals from Downing Street, which they regard as hard, even impossible to defend.
However when called to Parliament to answer questions on the subject a few hours later, Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis confirmed Mr Johnson was "made aware of this issue in late 2019" but had not "immediately" recalled the conversation. John Penrose asked how many principles of public life "have to be breached" before ministers say "enough is enough".Watch: Dominic Raab says Simon McDonald's claims that the PM was briefed about Chris Pincher in 2019 were "news to me"
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