Gavin Williamson could be stripped of knighthood

November 9, 2022

Gavin Williamson resigns from Cabinet

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

Sir Gavin Williamson could be stripped of his knighthood, as Rishi Sunak has admitted he “obviously regrets” appointing him to his first Cabinet. The former Minister without Portfolio, who resigned earlier this week, has been referred to the Forfeiture Committee, which is part of the Cabinet Office and has the power to withdraw honours in specific circumstances. Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain wrote a letter to Sir Chris Wormald, the Forfeiture Committee’s chairman, calling for the committee to “consider withdrawing Gavin Williamson’s knighthood if the serious allegations made against him are upheld”.

She said the complaints “suggest a pattern of behaviour that is not in keeping with the high standards expected of recipients of honours”.

Ms Chamberlain pointed out that the Forfeiture Committee itself states that the recipients of honours “should remain good citizens and role modes.”

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions earlier today, Mr Sunak said it was “absolutely right” that Sir Gavin resigned on Tuesday.

He handed in his resignation after a series of allegations about his conduct emerged, including one allegation that he told a civil servant to “slit your throat”.

Mr Sunak told MPs earlier today: “I obviously regret appointing someone who has had to resign in the circumstances.

“But I think what the British people would like to know is that when situations like this arise, that they will be dealt with properly.

“And that’s why it is absolutely right that he resigned and it’s why it is absolutely right that there is an investigation to look into these matters properly.”

But earlier today, it was claimed that the Prime Minister was made aware that a complaint against Sir Gavin related to “bullying and misogyny” before he appointed the MP to Cabinet.

Mr Sunak admitted he had been informed of a “disagreement” involving Sir Gavin by former party chair Jake Berry ahead of Williamson’s appointment on October 25, he claimed to be unaware of the detail of the complaint.

But according to PoliticsHome, on 24 October, Mr Sunak was told that the complaint “relates to bullying and misogyny” specifically.

Sir Gavin resigned on Tuesday, saying the allegations against him were becoming a “distraction”.

DON’T MISS:
Clock ticking on Brexit legislation as EU given six week deadline [REPORT]
UK to send fighter jets and Chinooks to Russia’s doorstep [INSIGHT]
Sturgeon accused of Ministerial Code breach on £300M ‘ferries fiasco’ [REVEAL]

The former minister is currently facing three claims of bullying after it was first revealed he sent expletive-laden text messages to a female colleague last week.

In his resignation letter, Sir Gavin said he “refutes the characterisation” of the claims made against him.

He said he has “decided to step back from Government” to allow him to “comply fully with the complaints process” and “clear my name of any wrongdoing”.

In his response, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak – who has come under increasing criticism for his decision to appoint the MP to his cabinet – said: “I support your decision to step back and understand why you have taken it”.

Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said the saga is a “damning reflection of a weak Prime Minister.”

She added: “Rishi Sunak appointed Gavin Williamson with full knowledge of serious allegations about his conduct and repeatedly expressed confidence in him.

“This is yet another example of Rishi Sunak’s poor judgement and weak leadership. It is clear that he is trapped by the grubby backroom deals he made to dodge a vote, and is incapable of putting country before party.”

Speaking at PMQs today, Sir Keir Starmer described Sir Gavin as a “cartoon villain with a pet spider”, accusing Sir Keir of being “weak” for appointing the disgraced former minister.

Express.co.uk has contacted Downing Street for comment.

Source: Read Full Article