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General election: Amber Rudd joins exodus of MPs quitting parliament ahead of December poll – live news General election: Amber Rudd joins exodus of MPs quitting parliament ahead of December poll – live news
(32 minutes later)
From the Times’ Steven Swinford
I'm told Boris Johnson raised fact his own seat of Uxbridge is on internal CCHQ list of seats potentially at risk at Political Cabinet.@oliver_wright spotted Tories spent £1,178 on Facebook this week targeting 200,000 Uxbridge voters with call to keep police station open
Here is Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, on tactical voting. (See 10.32am.)
Seeing lots of chat this morning about tactical voting to maximise Remain vote. @theSNP is the challenger in every Tory held seat in Scotland. So if you want to stop Brexit and remove Boris Johnson, #VoteSNP is the only way to do it. #GE19
Boris Johnson is on course to win a Commons majority unless remain voters work tactically to block a Tory victory and ensure an EU-backing leadership, according to research. As PA Media reports, the Conservatives would achieve a majority of 44 if no tactical voting took place but anti-Brexit voters could scupper this, according to a study by the Best for Britain campaign. If fewer than a third of remain voters (30%) used their vote tactically they could swing the election to deny the prime minister and to secure a remain majority of four. The research by the anti-Brexit campaign was based on seat-by-seat analysis of 46,000 people over September and October and was released this morning, PA reports.Boris Johnson is on course to win a Commons majority unless remain voters work tactically to block a Tory victory and ensure an EU-backing leadership, according to research. As PA Media reports, the Conservatives would achieve a majority of 44 if no tactical voting took place but anti-Brexit voters could scupper this, according to a study by the Best for Britain campaign. If fewer than a third of remain voters (30%) used their vote tactically they could swing the election to deny the prime minister and to secure a remain majority of four. The research by the anti-Brexit campaign was based on seat-by-seat analysis of 46,000 people over September and October and was released this morning, PA reports.
The study does not seem to be online yet, but when it goes up, I will post a link.The study does not seem to be online yet, but when it goes up, I will post a link.
Now we’re up to 51 MPs standing down. (See 10.04am.) Amber Rudd, the former Conservative work and pensions secretary, who sits as an independent, has announced that she won’t stand as a candidate at the election.Now we’re up to 51 MPs standing down. (See 10.04am.) Amber Rudd, the former Conservative work and pensions secretary, who sits as an independent, has announced that she won’t stand as a candidate at the election.
Moving on. Good luck to colleagues in forthcoming GE. Amber Rudd reveals she will not stand at next general election https://t.co/MPkxUrQa3bMoving on. Good luck to colleagues in forthcoming GE. Amber Rudd reveals she will not stand at next general election https://t.co/MPkxUrQa3b
Rudd had been talking about possibly standing as an independent (see 9.43am.) But, in an interview with the Evening Standard (edited by her Tory ally, the former chancellor George Osborne), she hinted that she might try to return in the future. She said:Rudd had been talking about possibly standing as an independent (see 9.43am.) But, in an interview with the Evening Standard (edited by her Tory ally, the former chancellor George Osborne), she hinted that she might try to return in the future. She said:
I’m not finished with politics, I’m just not standing at this election.I’m not finished with politics, I’m just not standing at this election.
Rudd also insisted that her relations with Boris Johnson were good. She told the paper:Rudd also insisted that her relations with Boris Johnson were good. She told the paper:
I spoke to the prime minister and had a good meeting with him a few days ago. I’m really confident of my position.I spoke to the prime minister and had a good meeting with him a few days ago. I’m really confident of my position.
I will be leaving the House of Commons on perfectly good terms with the prime minister and I want him to succeed.I will be leaving the House of Commons on perfectly good terms with the prime minister and I want him to succeed.
That is not how it was a few weeks ago. When she resigned from cabinet in early September, Rudd accused Johnson of “an assault on decency and democracy” because he had removed the whip from the 21 Tories who rebelled over Brexit. She also said she did not think Johnson was seriously committed to getting a Brexit deal.That is not how it was a few weeks ago. When she resigned from cabinet in early September, Rudd accused Johnson of “an assault on decency and democracy” because he had removed the whip from the 21 Tories who rebelled over Brexit. She also said she did not think Johnson was seriously committed to getting a Brexit deal.
That judgment is now looking rash, in the light of the fact that Johnson did manage to negotiate a Brexit deal with the EU that passed its second reading in the Commons, although it is arguable that Johnson committed properly to a deal only when rebels like Rudd made it clear to him that a no-deal Brexit would be unacceptable to parliament.That judgment is now looking rash, in the light of the fact that Johnson did manage to negotiate a Brexit deal with the EU that passed its second reading in the Commons, although it is arguable that Johnson committed properly to a deal only when rebels like Rudd made it clear to him that a no-deal Brexit would be unacceptable to parliament.
The Labour MP Adrian Bailey, 73, who represents West Bromwich West, has also announced he is standing down, the Express and Star reports.The Labour MP Adrian Bailey, 73, who represents West Bromwich West, has also announced he is standing down, the Express and Star reports.
Gavin Freeguard from the Institute for Government, who is keeping a tally, says Bailey’s decision takes the number of MPs leaving parliament to 49 – although his table does not include Patrick McLoughlin (see 9.59am), and so there are now at least 50 MPs leaving.Gavin Freeguard from the Institute for Government, who is keeping a tally, says Bailey’s decision takes the number of MPs leaving parliament to 49 – although his table does not include Patrick McLoughlin (see 9.59am), and so there are now at least 50 MPs leaving.
49https://t.co/Z75eABlsAc pic.twitter.com/0EB2nXaIyT49https://t.co/Z75eABlsAc pic.twitter.com/0EB2nXaIyT
The Tory MP Sir Patrick McLoughlin, a former chief whip and former transport secretary, has announced that he is standing down. He is the only former miner in the Conservative parliamentary party and got involved in Tory politics after he was one of the miners who carried on working during the 1984-85 strike. Aged 62, the MP for the Derbyshire Dales has been in parliament since 1986.The Tory MP Sir Patrick McLoughlin, a former chief whip and former transport secretary, has announced that he is standing down. He is the only former miner in the Conservative parliamentary party and got involved in Tory politics after he was one of the miners who carried on working during the 1984-85 strike. Aged 62, the MP for the Derbyshire Dales has been in parliament since 1986.
This morning, I am announcing my intention to retire as the Member of Parliament for Derbyshire Dales at the forthcoming General ElectionThis morning, I am announcing my intention to retire as the Member of Parliament for Derbyshire Dales at the forthcoming General Election
From Sky’s Sam CoatesFrom Sky’s Sam Coates
Tory MP: “You’d be hard pressed to find a colleague who is certain this election is a good idea”Tory MP: “You’d be hard pressed to find a colleague who is certain this election is a good idea”
Worries include- Knocking on doors at Christmas will generate backlash (some say they won’t doorknock at all)- How does brexit impact the debate- How do Tories make net gains when their own ministers predict lots of losses in ScotlandWorries include- Knocking on doors at Christmas will generate backlash (some say they won’t doorknock at all)- How does brexit impact the debate- How do Tories make net gains when their own ministers predict lots of losses in Scotland
Last night, as my colleague Peter Walker reports, the Tories announced that 10 of the MPs who had the whip withdrawn after rebelling on Brexit were being readmitted to the parliamentary party. But the list did not include Amber Rudd, who voluntarily resigned the whip when she resigned as work and pensions secretary, also in protest over Boris Johnson’s Brexit policy.Last night, as my colleague Peter Walker reports, the Tories announced that 10 of the MPs who had the whip withdrawn after rebelling on Brexit were being readmitted to the parliamentary party. But the list did not include Amber Rudd, who voluntarily resigned the whip when she resigned as work and pensions secretary, also in protest over Boris Johnson’s Brexit policy.
This morning on the Today programme, Nick Robinson said he had heard Rudd was coming back to the party. But it seems the situation is not straightforward. These are from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg and the Spectator’s James Forsyth.This morning on the Today programme, Nick Robinson said he had heard Rudd was coming back to the party. But it seems the situation is not straightforward. These are from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg and the Spectator’s James Forsyth.
Rudd is not back with the whip yet - she has apparently had a positive conversation with Johnson but they haven't agreed a way back - No 10 indicate it's not happeningRudd is not back with the whip yet - she has apparently had a positive conversation with Johnson but they haven't agreed a way back - No 10 indicate it's not happening
On Amber Rudd, figures at the top of the Tory party think she doesn’t want to return to the fold. Remember she resigned the whip rather than having it taken away. Also manner of her resignation created a lot of bad bloodOn Amber Rudd, figures at the top of the Tory party think she doesn’t want to return to the fold. Remember she resigned the whip rather than having it taken away. Also manner of her resignation created a lot of bad blood
One problem might be that Rudd has already told her constituents that she does not want to stand again in Hastings and Rye, where she had a majority of only 346 at the last election. In recent interviews, she said she might stand as an independent somewhere else, but she has not committed herself to a particular constituency.One problem might be that Rudd has already told her constituents that she does not want to stand again in Hastings and Rye, where she had a majority of only 346 at the last election. In recent interviews, she said she might stand as an independent somewhere else, but she has not committed herself to a particular constituency.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, will ask the UK government for a section 30 order to proceed with planning a second independence referendum before the end of this year, despite the general election.Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, will ask the UK government for a section 30 order to proceed with planning a second independence referendum before the end of this year, despite the general election.
Speaking to the National newspaper, her spokesman insisted she would make the request this “calendar year”, saying:Speaking to the National newspaper, her spokesman insisted she would make the request this “calendar year”, saying:
As the first minister has made clear, we will be demanding the transfer of power for a referendum before the end of this calendar year. Independence will be at the very heart of this election campaign, and another win for the SNP will be an unequivocal and irresistible demand for Scotland’s right to choose its own future.As the first minister has made clear, we will be demanding the transfer of power for a referendum before the end of this calendar year. Independence will be at the very heart of this election campaign, and another win for the SNP will be an unequivocal and irresistible demand for Scotland’s right to choose its own future.
This assurance comes despite practical concerns about when exactly Boris Johnson’s government would be able to respond to the request, given that the Commons will shortly be dissolved and no policy announcements are made during the campaign period.This assurance comes despite practical concerns about when exactly Boris Johnson’s government would be able to respond to the request, given that the Commons will shortly be dissolved and no policy announcements are made during the campaign period.
Meanwhile, the Scottish secretary, Alister Jack, has left open the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. Speaking to BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme, he said: “31 January is the next threat if you like for a no-deal Brexit, that’s the next deadline.”Meanwhile, the Scottish secretary, Alister Jack, has left open the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. Speaking to BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme, he said: “31 January is the next threat if you like for a no-deal Brexit, that’s the next deadline.”
Jack added: “We have a deal which we’re going to put in our manifesto and we’re asking people to give us a mandate to put that deal through and that will bring the matter to a conclusion”.Jack added: “We have a deal which we’re going to put in our manifesto and we’re asking people to give us a mandate to put that deal through and that will bring the matter to a conclusion”.
In his Today interview, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, was asked if drug pricing would be on the agenda in trade talks with the US after Brexit. The question was prompted by the Channel 4 Dispatches investigation saying drug pricing has been discussed at meetings between UK and US officials.In his Today interview, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, was asked if drug pricing would be on the agenda in trade talks with the US after Brexit. The question was prompted by the Channel 4 Dispatches investigation saying drug pricing has been discussed at meetings between UK and US officials.
Hancock said drug prices would be “off the table” in a future trade deal.Hancock said drug prices would be “off the table” in a future trade deal.
Asked why it had come up in talks, as Dispatches revealed, he replied:Asked why it had come up in talks, as Dispatches revealed, he replied:
It is off the table. There has been no agreement and no formal meetings. There is no mandate for how these trade talks will happen.It is off the table. There has been no agreement and no formal meetings. There is no mandate for how these trade talks will happen.
He also said it was “against the government’s policy to make any changes to drug pricing”.He also said it was “against the government’s policy to make any changes to drug pricing”.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Mattha Busby.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Mattha Busby.
It may feel like the first full day of the 2019 election campaign, but the legislation for the December poll has not cleared parliament yet and the Commons is still sitting. Here are the items on the agenda for the day.It may feel like the first full day of the 2019 election campaign, but the legislation for the December poll has not cleared parliament yet and the Commons is still sitting. Here are the items on the agenda for the day.
10am: The first report from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire is published.10am: The first report from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire is published.
10am: The anti-Brexit Best for Britain campaign publishes research intended to assist anti-Brexit tactical voting at the election.10am: The anti-Brexit Best for Britain campaign publishes research intended to assist anti-Brexit tactical voting at the election.
11am: Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, launches the SNP’s general election campaign at an event in Stirling.11am: Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, launches the SNP’s general election campaign at an event in Stirling.
12pm: Boris Johnson faces Jeremy Corbyn at PMQs.12pm: Boris Johnson faces Jeremy Corbyn at PMQs.
Around 1pm: Johnson is expected to make a statement to MPs about the Grenfell Tower fire report. There will then be a three-hour debate on the report.Around 1pm: Johnson is expected to make a statement to MPs about the Grenfell Tower fire report. There will then be a three-hour debate on the report.
After 3.30pm: Peers begin their debate on the early parliamentary general election bill. It is due to clear all its Lords stages today. In theory, peers could amend the bill but in reality, given that the House of Commons has agreed to an early election with the backing of all the main parties, it is very hard to imagine circumstances in which unelected peers would want to tamper with this legislation.After 3.30pm: Peers begin their debate on the early parliamentary general election bill. It is due to clear all its Lords stages today. In theory, peers could amend the bill but in reality, given that the House of Commons has agreed to an early election with the backing of all the main parties, it is very hard to imagine circumstances in which unelected peers would want to tamper with this legislation.
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, was asked if he would like to apologise on behalf of the Conservative party for breaking their “do or die” promise that Brexit would take place on 31 October. He told the Today programme:The health secretary, Matt Hancock, was asked if he would like to apologise on behalf of the Conservative party for breaking their “do or die” promise that Brexit would take place on 31 October. He told the Today programme:
No. Because it’s parliament that’s blocked delivering Brexit.No. Because it’s parliament that’s blocked delivering Brexit.
Asked if he could clear up whether Amber Rudd would be a Tory candidate in the election, Hancock said: “I don’t know. I’m not in the whips office.”Asked if he could clear up whether Amber Rudd would be a Tory candidate in the election, Hancock said: “I don’t know. I’m not in the whips office.”
He said he considers Rudd a good friend, adding: “Amber chose to resign from the Conservative party,”, before adding: “What I’d say is the Conservative party is at its best when we’re a broad church.”He said he considers Rudd a good friend, adding: “Amber chose to resign from the Conservative party,”, before adding: “What I’d say is the Conservative party is at its best when we’re a broad church.”
He was questioned over his previous statements regarding a general election, after he said that “people didn’t want to do it” and it was “an unacceptable risk”.He was questioned over his previous statements regarding a general election, after he said that “people didn’t want to do it” and it was “an unacceptable risk”.
“Well I’m certainly not yearning for a general election and haven’t been, but its the only way to move the country forward,” the MP, who has a 17,000 majority in West Suffolk, said, adding: “We have to respect the result of the referendum because we’re democrats.”“Well I’m certainly not yearning for a general election and haven’t been, but its the only way to move the country forward,” the MP, who has a 17,000 majority in West Suffolk, said, adding: “We have to respect the result of the referendum because we’re democrats.”
Asked if he thought the public could punish the Tories for not delivering Brexit this year:Asked if he thought the public could punish the Tories for not delivering Brexit this year:
I don’t think anyone in this country thinks that that Boris Johnson hasn’t been doing everything he possibly can to deliver on Brexit. He was the architect of the campaign to leave and he’s now succeeded in getting a new deal with the EU, which many people said was impossible.I don’t think anyone in this country thinks that that Boris Johnson hasn’t been doing everything he possibly can to deliver on Brexit. He was the architect of the campaign to leave and he’s now succeeded in getting a new deal with the EU, which many people said was impossible.
It’s parliament that has blocked delivering Brexit and that’s why we need a general election. Parliament was given the vote and chose to delay.It’s parliament that has blocked delivering Brexit and that’s why we need a general election. Parliament was given the vote and chose to delay.
He said the Tory party had an “optimistic, positive one nation agenda rooted in the centre ground of British politics”, and that this was not the case in 2017.He said the Tory party had an “optimistic, positive one nation agenda rooted in the centre ground of British politics”, and that this was not the case in 2017.
On what the party is offering voters, Hancock said:On what the party is offering voters, Hancock said:
What we’re proposing is to be able to deliver Brexit on a deal, and then to be able to get on to the NHS, to having 20,000 more police, to the increases in spending on schools and strengthening school standards, on to strengthening the environment, and all the other things on the domestic agenda that only we can deliver, because it’s only by having a majority in parliament we’ll be able to move beyond all the things that have blocked this from all happening in the last few years.What we’re proposing is to be able to deliver Brexit on a deal, and then to be able to get on to the NHS, to having 20,000 more police, to the increases in spending on schools and strengthening school standards, on to strengthening the environment, and all the other things on the domestic agenda that only we can deliver, because it’s only by having a majority in parliament we’ll be able to move beyond all the things that have blocked this from all happening in the last few years.
Asked if he had doubts about a general election, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, said the Lib Dems “went into coalition with the Tories basically and the SNP jumped ship”. Meanwhile, no deal was taken off the agenda.Asked if he had doubts about a general election, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, said the Lib Dems “went into coalition with the Tories basically and the SNP jumped ship”. Meanwhile, no deal was taken off the agenda.
Bring it on, let’s have a go, despite it being December and cold and dark .. we’re going to have a real go at this and I think we’ll win. I think we’ll have a majority government by Christmas, so I can’t think of a better Christmas present.Bring it on, let’s have a go, despite it being December and cold and dark .. we’re going to have a real go at this and I think we’ll win. I think we’ll have a majority government by Christmas, so I can’t think of a better Christmas present.
Asked on the Today programme about Jeremy Corbyn’s personal popularity, McDonnell pointed towards Boris Johnson’s own ratings and said the Labour leader was “one of the best campaigners I’ve ever seen”.Asked on the Today programme about Jeremy Corbyn’s personal popularity, McDonnell pointed towards Boris Johnson’s own ratings and said the Labour leader was “one of the best campaigners I’ve ever seen”.
He said Labour in government would make sure there is a “sensible, Brexit option” in contrast to the “disaster” deal being offered by the Conservatives, but also give people the option to remain. “We’re saying, let the people decide.”He said Labour in government would make sure there is a “sensible, Brexit option” in contrast to the “disaster” deal being offered by the Conservatives, but also give people the option to remain. “We’re saying, let the people decide.”
On the possibility of deciding to go forward as an overtly pro-remain party, McDonnell said: “We’re a much more democratic party than that.”On the possibility of deciding to go forward as an overtly pro-remain party, McDonnell said: “We’re a much more democratic party than that.”
He added there would be “a range of views” in Labour, “like every political party”, confirming the party would seek to convey a nuanced message on doorsteps.He added there would be “a range of views” in Labour, “like every political party”, confirming the party would seek to convey a nuanced message on doorsteps.
The basic principle for us, not like the Lib Dems who are just saying ‘we’re just going to revoke, that’s it’, not like the Tories who are saying ‘we’re going to foist upon you virtually a no deal to damage the economy’, we’re saying – democracy, let the people decide.The basic principle for us, not like the Lib Dems who are just saying ‘we’re just going to revoke, that’s it’, not like the Tories who are saying ‘we’re going to foist upon you virtually a no deal to damage the economy’, we’re saying – democracy, let the people decide.
On the possible ending of EU freedom of movement laws, McDonnell said the UK needed immigration into the country. “We’re going to have an immigration policy which has as much freedom of movement as possible.”On the possible ending of EU freedom of movement laws, McDonnell said the UK needed immigration into the country. “We’re going to have an immigration policy which has as much freedom of movement as possible.”
McDonnell turned his fire on to the government at the end of the interview.McDonnell turned his fire on to the government at the end of the interview.
People aren’t mugs out there. They’ve listened to these Tories, they’ve seen what they’ve done over this near decade to our public services, they’ve seen what they’ve done to their living standards and quite honestly, most of them will never forgive them for what they have done.People aren’t mugs out there. They’ve listened to these Tories, they’ve seen what they’ve done over this near decade to our public services, they’ve seen what they’ve done to their living standards and quite honestly, most of them will never forgive them for what they have done.