Suella Braverman to STAY in Home Secretary job as Rishi Sunak says speeding points 'cover-up' did not breach code | The Sun

SUELLA Braverman was today cleared of breaking the ministerial code following a row over speeding points.

The Home Secretary will not face a formal investigation over accusations she broke the rules by asking civil servants to arrange a private speed awareness course.

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Rishi Sunak said: "I have consulted with my Independent Adviser. He has advised that on this occasion further investigation is not necessary and I have accepted that advice.

"On the basis of your letter and our discussion, my decision is that these matters do not amount to a breach of the Ministerial Code."

Mr Sunak warned that "a better course of action could have been taken to avoid giving rise to the perception of impropriety".

But he concluded: "I am reassured you take these matters seriously. You have provided a thorough account, apologised and expressed regret."

READ MORE POLITICS

Albania to take hundreds of dangerous foreign criminals back in new jail deal

Benefit thieves ‘who stole nearly £1million in fraud’ are busted

Ms Braverman was caught speeding last September.

She asked civil servants to help her take a private speeding awareness course to avoid having to face the public and points on her licence.

But officials said they couldn't help as ministers aren't allowed to request assistance on personal issues.

In a letter to the PM, the Home Secretary insisted she sought civil service advise to protect her privacy, security and not to distract others on the course.

But she added "in hindsight" that was wrong and she "deeply regrets" the distraction caused.

"I sought to explore whether bespoke arrangements were
possible, given my personal circumstances as a security-protected Minister," Ms Braverman said.

"I recognise how some people have construed this as me seeking to avoid sanction — at no point was that the intention or outcome.

"Given the fundamental importance of integrity in public life, I deeply regret that my actions may have given rise to that perception, and I apologise for the distraction this has caused."

Rishi Sunak spent three days "looking at all the requisite information" before deciding not to refer the Cabinet big beast to a formal sleaze inquiry.

Furious Labour MPs demanded the Home Secretary be investigated by Sir Laurie Magnus, the PM's independent ethics chief.

But the Tory right rushed to her defence, slamming the row as pathetic and not a real scandal.

They threatened to revolt against Mr Sunak unless Ms Braverman was cleared.

MP Edward Leigh raged: "What's wrong with this country?

"We used to have proper scandals about sex or money or PMs invading Iraq on dodgy evidence.

"This moral outrage is ludicrous."

It comes as last night Boris Johnson was referred to the police again over more claims of lockdown breaches at Chequers.

A major row was triggered as fuming allies of the ex-PM accused ministers and civil servants of a crusade against Brexiteers.

It was the Cabinet Office who passed on reports of potential rule breaking to the Met and Thames Valley Police after visits to the former PM's posh Buckinghamshire pad were revealed.

Read More on The Sun

Little-known TV licence rule could save you up to £159 a year

Woman left unable to talk properly after her new dentures arrive totally uneven

Most read in The Sun

A spokesperson for the former PM said his lawyers insisted "the events were lawful and were not breaches of any Covid regulations."

Just days after "Suellagate" BoJo's allies threatened to overthrow Mr Sunak unless he quashes the latest partygate probe.

Source: Read Full Article