Boris Johnson’s bid to put a controversial Tory MP on the committee investigating claims he lied to Parliament has been quietly dropped.
Christopher Chope was proposed as a member of the Privileges Committee by the government, as one of its last acts before Mr Johnson left Downing Street.
The right-wing MP has used his knowledge of parliamentary process to block laws by backbench MPs, including one on upskirting.
But the motion to put Sir Christopher on the committee, replacing fellow Tory Laura Farris, was not moved by the government last night.
By convention Labour would have not forced a vote on Sir Christopher’s appointment.
Instead Labour sources suggested Liz Truss ’s new regime had been nervous about seeking to influence the inquiry into her predecessor as one of her first acts in government.
Liz Truss' Press Secretary explained the move by saying: “There’s a new chief whip and she needs to be given time to consider the matter.” He did not rule out bringing the motion back at a later date.
Boris Johnson is said to be furious about the inquiry into whether he misled Parliament over Partygate, which is ongoing and will call him to give evidence under oath.
If he is found to have committed contempt of Parliament he could be suspended or even face a by-election.
No10 has spent £130,000 of taxpayers’ money on an opinion by top QC Lord Pannick to attack the “unfair” and “fundamentally flawed” process.
Details published on the Government's website appear to show that the Cabinet Office awarded a contract of £129,700 to the law firm that instructed Lord Pannick for four months of "legal advice".
Downing Street has been attempting a legal fightback against the Commons investigation into Mr Johnson - a move branded "very odd" by critics.
Downing Street argued the inquiry relates to a prime minister's conduct, raising issues that have a broader consequence for all future ministers.
While the motions were tabled by Mr Johnson's administration, the decision to withdraw it came hours after Liz Truss became the new Prime Minister.
The motion could be tabled again for MPs to consider at a later date.
