‘Shameful’ – Politicians react to standards amendment

The successful amendment to review the suspension of Conservative MP Owen Paterson has been met with widespread anger and disbelief from across the political spectrum.

Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain said: “This is a shameful move by Conservative MPs to rewrite the rules to look after one of their own. It’s also sheer hypocrisy after ministers claimed they couldn’t change the rules retrospectively to allow Rob Roberts to be voted out by his constituents.”

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner confirmed Labour would not sit on the new standards committee, saying: “Today the Tories voted to give a green light to corruption. Labour will not be taking any part in this sham process or any corrupt committee.”

Thirteen Conservatives voted against the amendment, whilst a further 98 did not vote. Aaron Bell, Conservative MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “I think the process of investigating allegations against MPs could usefully be reformed. However, I don’t think it is appropriate to do that to seek to alter a particular finding, which is why I voted against the government today.”

Owen Paterson voted for the amendment.