Rishi Sunak is stubbornly refusing to sack Gavin Williamson as a storm over "bullying" WhatsApp messages grows - and Keir Starmer suggests he should be dumped.
The PM, who was already under fire over his decision to make "leaky Suella" Braverman his Home Secretary, insisted: "I stand by all the decisions I have made.”
And his spokesman today even said Mr Sunak has "full confidence" in Sir Gavin - claiming the Tory has "an important contribution to make to government".
Sir Gavin was given a seat "without portfolio" at the Cabinet table - where his actual job is still unclear - even though Mr Sunak knew there was an outstanding bullying complaint against him from former chief whip Wendy Morton.
Fresh allegations emerged today that Sir Gavin raised a details about a minister’s private life in a 2016 meeting when he was Chief Whip.
The minister interpreted it as a “tacit threat”, according to The Times. Allies of Sir Gavin said he had been acting in a “pastoral capacity”.
Keir Starmer suggested Gavin Williamson should be sacked saying: "The Prime Minister has got people who are clearly not fit for the job around the Cabinet table."
Scroll down to read the messages in full.
Labour's leader said Sir Gavin "has got history" after being sacked by Theresa May over a national security leak which he denied. Mr Starmer added: "It is so disappointing that yet again we're having a discussion about the Prime Minister's judgment, this time in relation to Gavin Williamson.
"He's clearly got people around the Cabinet table who are not fit to be there. That is because he was so weak and wanted to avoid an election within his own party and I think the only way out of this.
"Because these debates are going to go on because of the weak position the prime minister, is in, I think we should say to the public, they should have a choice - do you want to carry on with this chaos or do you want the stability of a Labour Government?
"That's why I think there is such a powerful case for a general election."
No10 said the texts from Mr Williamson to former Chief Whip Wendy Morton "aren't acceptable" and there is a zero tolerance approach to bullying within government.
But asked why he appointed Sir Gavin despite knowing about the complaint the spokesman replied: “He knew there was a disagreement, he didn’t know the substance of those messages, but obviously he thinks he has an important contribution to make to government.”
The PM's official spokesman admitted "I don't know" when the government will announce what Gavin Williamson's Cabinet job actually is. No10 said he will be working on the GREAT campaign promoting Britain abroad, and "there will be political elements to the role as well.”
No10 also said there was still no "specific date" for appointing a new ministerial ethics advisor despite the scandals over Suella Braverman and Gavin Williamson. No10 could not guarantee a ministerial ethics advisor will be in place by Christmas.
The Prime Minister last night said the texts were “not acceptable or right” but said the complaint should “conclude” before he decides whether to sack him.
He said: “I did know there was a disagreement from these two individuals but the substance of the text messages I didn’t see until [Saturday] night.”
Mr Sunak added: "It was a difficult time for our party at the time, but regardless, people always should be treated with respect. I am glad Gavin has expressed regret.
In the texts, Sir Gavin angrily accused Ms Morton of trying to "punish" anti-Liz Truss MPs like him by denying them a ticket to the Queen's funeral.
The exchange of texts, obtained by The Sunday Times, concluded with him saying: "Well let's see how many more times you f*** us all over. There is a price for everything."
In a statement to the Sunday Times, Sir Gavin said: “I of course regret getting frustrated about the way colleagues and I felt we were being treated.
“I am happy to speak with Wendy and I hope to work positively with her in the future as I have in the past."
A Conservative spokesman said: "The Conservative Party has a robust complaints process in place.
"This process is rightly a confidential one, so that complainants can come forward in confidence."
Asked if the messages constituted bullying, the PM's spokesman replied: "I haven't asked him that specific question".
Here are the texts as obtained by the Sunday Times in full.
The texts in full
September 13
Gavin Williamson, 15:59: Think very poor how PC’s [Privy Counsellors] who aren’t favoured have been excluded from the funeral. Very poor and sends a very clear message.
Wendy Morton [Chief Whip], 16:01: That is not the case Gavin
Williamson, 16:02: Well certainly looks it which think is very s*** and perception becomes reality
Williamson, 16:03: Also don’t forget I know how this works so don’t puss me about
Morton, 16:15: As I said above - that’s simply not the case Gavin. The number of places allocated was extremely limited.
Williamson, 16:21: It’s very clear how you are going to treat a number of us which is very stupid and you are showing f*** all interest in pulling things together. Don’t bother asking anything from me
Williamson, 16:22: Also this shows exactly how you have rigged it is is disgusting you are using her death to punish people who are just supportive, absolutely disgusting
Morton, 16:47: Gavin, again, this is not the case whatsoever.
Williamson, 17:01: Well let’s see how many more times you f*** us all over. There is a price for everything
September 14
Morton, 10:18: Gavin, as I have said that is not the case
Williamson, 10:49: I think you are wasting my time and you are obviously intent on not being upfront nor willing to listen to concerns and have decided to isolate people.
Morton, 11:29: Nothing could be further from the truth Gavin.
October 17
Morton, 09:53: Morning Gavin. I hear from your whip you are probably not voting this evening. Is there a problem? We are on a 3 line whip. Thanks
Williamson, 10:01: Thank you for the patronising and condescending tone. You’re welcome to come and see me and explain. Best wishes
Williamson, 10:04: You do know you can speak to people in your job you don’t just text them?
Morton, 10:07: There is absolutely no need for you to take this tone Gavin. I am trying to help.
Williamson, 10:08: How are you?
Morton, 10:19: I’m fine
Williamson, 10:23: No how are you helping but very glad you are fine. Look at my voting record, step back and think how you are dealing with people and then maybe talk to people. I am currently with my poorly dog and the vets so I will give you some time to reflect on how you are dealing and treating people.
Morton, 10:31: I need no lecture from you Gavin when I ask a civil question. I will call you later
Williamson, 18:21: You calling or not
Morton, 18:53: I just tried.
Williamson, 18:54: Just returned your call
