Starmer to rally Tory rebels against Johnson’s watered-down ministerial code
Labour plots rebellion after Queen’s Jubilee break
Sir Keir Starmer and Labour are gearing up to use the first opposition day debate after Parliament returns from its Jubilee break to pile pressure on Tory MPs. The plan? To get them to revolt against Boris Johnson’s controversial tweaks to the ministerial code.
Johnson accused of softening rules after ‘partygate’ scandal
Traditionally, ministers caught breaking the code face resignation or the sack. But last Friday, the government unveiled a new policy downgrading this to a “disproportionate” response for so-called “minor” breaches.
Under the changes, the PM can now order lighter punishments like a public apology, remedial actions, or dock a minister’s pay — instead of demanding full resignations.
Independent adviser’s powers curbed
Johnson has pushed for his ethics watchdog, Lord Geidt, to have more ability to launch investigations independently. Yet, the peer still needs the PM’s green light before starting any inquiry — a tweak critics say limits true independence.
Pressure mounts amid ongoing investigations
The timing is explosive. Johnson faces scrutiny after Sue Gray’s damning final report on Downing Street lockdown parties reignited calls for his resignation. Meanwhile, the Commons Privileges Committee probes whether Johnson misled Parliament over Covid rule compliance at No 10.
Labour’s opposition day motion aims to lock in a promise that ministers committing serious breaches must resign — a clear shot at Johnson and his allies.
