'When I was a government whip, [we try] to persuade people the merits of the case.' Business minister GregHands denies claims government whips have threatened to blackmail MPs Newsnight
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner called the claims "shocking" and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey accused Mr Johnson of "acting more like a mafia boss than a prime minister".
He added that Mr Wragg's claims had "not been borne out by anybody else", adding: "This is not something that happens".Mr Johnson is facing down an attempt from some Tory MPs to oust him as leader over lockdown parties held in Downing Street. He also said he had received reports of government ministers, advisers and staff at No 10 "encouraging the publication of stories in the press seeking to embarrass" those suspected of lacking confidence in the PM.Mr Wragg claimed the reports "would seem to constitute blackmail" - and as well as contacting police, affected MPs should contact the Commons Speaker.
"This is a town that's not had a high school for the best part of 10 years and how would you feel with holding back the regeneration of a town for a vote?" One or two are whispering privately here that Mr Wragg is overcooking his argument and has long been outspoken about the prime minister.It's a reminder that while the imminent pressure on Boris Johnson has eased for now, the anger and vitriol provoked by these rows is still very real, very live.
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