UK Covid live news: minister brushes aside claims PM does not care about standards by stressing he’s popular
Latest updates: Robert Buckland dismisses questions about Boris Johnson’s commitment to ethical standards in government after Matt Hancock resignation as ‘just talk’
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In his interview with Robert Buckland, the justice secretary, the Today programme’s Nick Robinson raised the suggestion that Boris Johnson does not care about standards in government. Regular readers probably don’t need reminding of the evidence to support this but, just in case they do, here is a summary of how, since he has been prime minister, Johnson has systematically ignored five of watchdog institutions in place to ensure government is conducted ethically.
Independent adviser on minister’s interests
Here is some reaction to Robert Buckland’s Today interview (see 9.25am) from journalists and commentators on Twitter.
From the Daily Mirror’s Kevin Maguire
In-Justice Secretary Robert Buckland is drowning as he tries to defend Johnson’s failure to sack Hancock, Jenrick, Patel, etc. His voice betrays a sinking feeling @BBCr4today
1st class interview on govt's handling of Hancock affair by @bbcnickrobinson on #bbcr4today... and frankly ridiculous of normally top-guy @RobertBuckland to say the questions weren't quite legit. Ministers should eagerly answer questions that are definitely on public's lips too
"The truth is a lot of people just don't like the PM, they can't get over the fact that he is popular in the country."
Robert Buckland defends @BorisJohnson. Those remarks seemed aimed at critics within the Tory party as much as those outside it.
On @bbcr4today Robert Buckland had just blamed Matt Hancock’s appointment of his lover to an oversight position on civil servants.
Robert Buckland, a man of the law, does not appear to understand the point about the prime minister being willing to defend standards in public life. It’s nothing to do with how popular or unpopular Johnson is. He should edit his handlers’ brief
Ridiculous line from Robert Buckland to say he’s “amazed” Radio 4 is asking “not legitimate” questions about the Health Secretary who resigned in disgrace only 36 hours ago with loads of still unanswered questions about probity in public life. Don't take the public for fools.
Justice secretary, Robert Buckland, decent enough so far as I know, struggles on @BBCr4today to defend Johnson’s refusal to enforce rules and ethics against cabinet misconduct - not least himself. Boris suffers further loss of authority this weekend . How many nine lives left?
Extraordinary to hear the Justice Secretary - of all people - dismiss questions about rule-breaking on @BBCr4today on the grounds that the Conservatives won "a resounding victory" at the local elections.
So why have rules for ministers at all? Does anything go if you're winning?
Extraordinary #r4today interview with Robert Buckland by @bbcnickrobinson questioned about standards in public life. Govt argument is they don’t matter to the majority, people vote for us anyway.
-Appalling
One minute @robertBuckland says Johnson popular. The next that people don’t like him and hence tough questions. To hear a Justice Secretary debase himself in defending various breaches of law/ministerial standards further undermines credibility of the government and the country.
Continue reading...from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3hauEEp
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