Stanley Johnson denies accusations of inappropriately touching Tory MP
Boris Johnson will face his cabinet today just hours after his government botched its U-turn on Owen Paterson’s lobbying scandal.
The government’s scheme was thrown into chaos on Monday night when one of Mr Johnson’s own MPs shouted “object” after a motion to scrap the proposed new parliamentary standards body was raised.
A full vote will now have to be held.
Meanwhile, the prime minister’s father, Stanley, has been accused by two women of touching them inappropriately.
Caroline Nokes, a Conservative MP, and a journalist both claim Stanley Johnson groped them at Tory conferences 16 years apart. He denies doing so.
Ask political commentator John Rentoul anything about the government’s sleaze reform plans
Confused by the seemingly never-ending deluge of sleaze stories coming out of Westminster recently?
Fear not, our chief political commentator John Rentoul is on hand to answer your questions.
Jon Sharman16 November 2021 11:04
Greek PM to grill Johnson on Elgin marbles
The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was expected to challenge Boris Johnson over the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece when the pair met today.
The leaders are unlikely to see eye to eye during their discussion in Downing Street over the status of the ancient sculptures removed from the Acropolis more than 200 years ago.
Mr Johnson has insisted they were “legally acquired” and are rightfully owned by the British Museum, whereas the Greek prime minister argues they were “stolen” from Athens.
The 17 figures were taken by the staff of British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Lord Elgin, in the early 19th century and have been the subjects of a long dispute.
Last week, Mr Mitsotakis told The Daily Telegraph: “Our position is very clear. The marbles were stolen in the 19th century, they belong in the Acropolis Museum and we need to discuss this issue in earnest.
“I am sure that if there was a willingness on the part of the (British) government to move we could find an arrangement with the British Museum in terms of us sending abroad cultural treasures on loan, which have never left the country.”
But Mr Johnson, earlier this year, ruled out returning the marbles to Greece.
Jon Sharman16 November 2021 10:54
Nokes thanks wellwishers following Stanley Johnson claims
Senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes has thanked wellwishers for their support after she accused Stanley Johnson of inappropriately touching her.
She tweeted: “Just wanted to thank the sisterhood for the solidarity and support today. You know who you are and you’re amazing.”
Mr Johnson denies the allegation.
Jon Sharman16 November 2021 10:39
Tory councillor uses Liverpool bomb picture to mock Jeremy Corbyn
A Tory councillor has faced backlash for using a picture from the scene of the…
Read More: Boris Johnson news live: PM’s father Stanley accused of groping two women