Independent ethics adviser ‘hopes’ not to have to investigate Rishi Sunak

Sir Laurence Magnus, the independent adviser on ministers’ interests, was cross-examined by MPs today.

Responding to a question from SNP MP Ronnie Cowan, Sir Laurence said he “hoped” not to have to investigate prime minister Rishi Sunak.

He said: “It becomes a very difficult area if actually the independent adviser to the prime minister providing impartial advice to the prime minister is asked to investigate an allegation of breach by the prime minister. And …. I think [its] pretty unlikely, I hope, that that would happen in this case and my case with this prime minister”.