Tory MP Wragg accuses No10 of "blackmailing" Boris Johnson rebels

The Chairman of the Commons Public Administration Committee William Wragg has suggested that the Government is "blackmailing" Conservative rebels into supporting the Prime Minister.

Wragg has urged MPs to report any attempt to "blackmail" over their support for a no confidence motion against Boris Johnson to the Metropolitan Police.

William Wragg, who has said he wants the PM to go, says some have faced pressure and intimidation.

He has said that there have been reports of staff at Number 10 encouraging the publication of stories that would "embarrass" rebel MPs.

Wragg said: "Reports to me and others of members of staff of Number 10 Downing Street special advisors, government ministers and others encouraging the publication of stories in the press seeking to embarrass those that they suspect of lacking confidence in there Prime Minister is simply unacceptable, the intimidation of a member of parliament is serious matter.

"Moreover, the reports of which I'm aware would seem to constitute blackmail. As such, it would be my general advice to colleagues to report these matters to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. And they're also welcome to contact me at any time."

Following the reports of Downing Street parties and the subsequent calls for Boris' resignation, loyalists MPs have been rallying around the Prime Minister, stating that the success of the Covid jabs roll-out and how the economy has been kept going through the Omicron wave.

Wragg added: "In recent days a number of members of parliament have faced pressures and intimidation from members of the government because of their declared or assumed desire for a vote of confidence of the party leadership of the Prime Minister.

"It is of course the duty of the government whips office to secure the government’s business in the House of Commons. However, it is not their function to breach the ministerial code in threatening to withdraw investments from members of parliament’s constituency which are funded from the public purse."

Following his statement, Cabinet Office Minister Steve Barclay, who was giving evidence to MPs on the Committee, confirmed he would convey Mr Wragg’s remarks to the Government.

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