The privilege committee will issue a strong defense of its work after being warned by Lord Pannick, a peer and QC who claimed it “suggested to adopt an unfair procedure”. Almost £130,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent on legal advice commissioned by the Cabinet Office in the final days of the Johnson government trying to discredit the commission’s work. The advice prompted fresh claims from allies of the former prime minister that he was the victim of a “witch hunt”. In response, a “special report” is being drawn up and will be published as early as Thursday by the committee looking into allegations that Johnson falsely told the Commons that he knew nothing about lockdown-breaking rallies. It is expected to justify gathering evidence from some anonymous whistleblowers – such as longtime public servants – and challenge Pannick’s suggestion that not having to prove wrongdoing denials were intentional would be “illegal” if tested in court. Pannick’s claim that punishing ministers for such mistakes on the floor of the House would have a “chilling effect” will also be addressed, with a reminder of the procedures available to erring MPs who want to set the record straight. The Guardian also understands the commission will send a letter to the new Truss government, asking if it shares Pannick’s views and, if so, urging ministers to pass a new proposal to change the rules on how the inquiry is conducted. In their first meeting since Johnson resigned as prime minister on Wednesday, MPs on the committee agreed to continue trawling through written evidence received over the summer, despite being one member short. They want the position filled before the conference recess from September 22 to October 17, after which they hope to hold oral evidence sessions. Tory supporter Laura Faris resigned in August but Johnson’s colleague lined up to replace her, veteran opposition figure Christopher Chope, was not endorsed by Liz Truss’ new administration. Chope’s nomination is subject to approval by the Commons. If passed, it would have restored a Conservative majority on the committee. Although there was significant resistance to Chope’s nomination among opposition parties, sources said some on the committee feared the inquiry could be “derailed” or stalled if he was prevented from participating. The six current members are: Labour’s Harriet Harman, who chairs the inquiry, and Yvonne Fovargue. Alberto Costa, Andy Carter and Bernard Jenkin from the Conservatives. and the SNP’s Allan Dorans. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. MPs meet again on Thursday and could sign off on the publication of their special report on the same day. After this week’s cabinet reshuffle, a new leader, Wendy Morton, will face deciding which Tory backer to put forward to join the committee. Asked why the government had not advanced Chope’s nomination, Truss’s press secretary said on Wednesday: “There is a new chief whip – and she needs to be given time to consider the matter.” They added: “I can’t put a timetable.” Johnson still faces an investigation, even though he is now out of Downing Street. Evidence sought by No 10 so far includes WhatsApp messages, photographs and diary entries. When they have completed their investigation, MPs on the privileges committee can recommend punishment for those found to have broken the rules of the Commons. Possible sanctions include the publication of a written apology, as well as suspension or expulsion from parliament. They must be approved by the Commons to be enforced.
