Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Several of Thursday’s front pages lead with the news that Conservative MPs have voted to back a review of standards investigations – putting a former minister’s suspension on hold. Their colleague Owen Paterson was found by a report to have breached lobbying rules but will avoid punishment for now.
The Independent writes that a number of senior Conservatives have disowned Boris Johnson’s attempt to neuter parliament’s sleaze watchdog, in a move that has been branded a “shocking blow to democracy in the UK”.
Boris Johnson protecting MP Owen Paterson, who was found to have repeatedly breached lobbying rules, from being suspended also makes the front page of The Guardian.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been accused of “wallowing in sleaze” by changing parliament’s anti-corruption rules to save Conservative MP Owen Paterson from being suspended, reports the Metro.
Boris Johnson flew back from the COP26 climate summit on a private jet for dinner with a friend, according to the Daily Mirror.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has warned that too many people wrongly believe the COVID-19 pandemic is over, adding booster jabs and masks will help save Christmas, writes the Daily Express.
According to The Sun, Countdown host, Anne Robinson had her co-star Rachel Riley’s microphone muted as part of a “toxic” feud.