Angela Rayner on concerns over vaccine passport ‘bureaucracy’

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

According to a report by the Business Insider, Mr Johnson took a private jet that was funded by the taxpayer to campaign in the Hartlepool by-election. Ms Rayner claimed in doing so the Prime Minister has breached the Ministerial Code. The Labour deputy leader today tweeted: “I have written to the Government’s independent adviser demanding an inquiry into Boris Johnson using a taxpayer-funded private plane for Conservative Party campaigning visits.

“He has clearly broken the Ministerial Code and the law may also have been broken too.

“We need answers.”

Ms Rayner said that the Conservative Party should have paid for this private jet flight.

She added: “Using Government resources for party political campaigning is a breach of the Ministerial Code.

“The Conservative Party, not the taxpayer, should pay for the plane.

“False election returns or the non-declaration of election spending is a criminal offence.”

On April 1 Mr Johnson flew by private jet from London Stansted to Teesside International Airport, near Middlesbrough.

Mr Johnson then travelled in a motorcade from the airport to Middlesbrough to campaign for the by-election.

Read More: Archaeology news after ancient Viking king’s burial narrative flipped

In Hartlepool, he met with the Conservative candidate Jill Mortimer.

He then visited a nearby housing estate with Ms Mortimer for doorknocking, leafleting, and speaking to residents.

None of the costs of Mr Johnson’s travel by private jet or car appears to be included in the Conservative Party spending return.

Political parties can spend up to £100,000 in by-elections.

DON’T MISS:
Don’t blame Brexit! Economist slaps down Remainer claims [INSIGHT]
Meddling Barnier weighs in on fishing row [ANALYSIS]
Britons erupt at ‘stupid and dangerous’ EU speeding rule [REACTION]

During the Hartlepool by-election the Conservatives claim to have spent a total of £86,991.77.

The Ministerial Code says that ministers “must not use government resources for Party political purposes”.

It also says that “where a visit is a mix of political and official engagements, it is important that the department and the Party each meet a proper proportion of the actual cost”.
The Conservative Party spending return said the candidate spent nothing on transport.

The Hartlepool by-election was eventually won by Ms Mortimer, who 51.9 percent of the vote and a swing from Labour of almost 16 percent.

The Labour candidate was Paul Williams.

The Cabinet Office has been contacted for a response and a No 10 spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister visited Teesside on official Government business, meeting workers to coincide with an increase in the national living wage. This was followed by a short political visit, as permitted by the Ministerial Code. 

“All relevant costs have been correctly accounted for and appropriately proportioned. At all times Government rules and electoral requirements have been followed in relation to Ministerial visits.”

Source: Read Full Article