A fish rots from the head down, and it's the same with Boris Johnson's corrupt and sleazy Government. Liberal Democrats in Parliament lead emergency debate

The Liberal Democrats have said Boris Johnson's failure to show up to the emergency debate on standards today in Parliament is "a shocking abdication of leadership."

The debate, secured by the Liberal Democrats follows last week's vote in which Conservative MPs voted to overturn the suspension of Owen Paterson and overhaul Parliament's anti-sleaze rules.

Liberal Democrats Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain MP said: "A fish rots from the head down, and it's the same with Boris Johnson's corrupt and sleazy government. Johnson failing to appear at the emergency debate on sleaze today is a shocking abdication of leadership.

"From the redecoration of his flat to holidays reportedly paid for by Tory party donors, the prime minister has serious questions to answer about his own integrity and allegations he has breached parliamentary standards.

"We have to ask why the Prime Minister seemed so intent on undermining the independent standards commissioner and tearing up anti-sleaze rules. It looks very much like Boris Johnson was trying to use Owen Paterson's case to get himself off the hook, which would be a new low even by his standards."




The House of Commons will hold an emergency debate on standards today, following last week's vote in which Conservative MPs voted to overturn the suspension of Owen Paterson and overhaul Parliament's anti-sleaze rules. The SO24 debate, secured by Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain, is expected to take place after Oral Questions at 3.30pm and last for around three hours.