Furious Labour MP demands Oliver Dowden resigns after 'misleading' the Commons

12 July 2023 , 14:28

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Furious Labour MP demands Oliver Dowden resigns after 'misleading' the Commons

A Labour MP has demanded Oliver Dowden steps down as Deputy Prime Minister after accusing him of misleading the House of Commons.

In an extraordinary move, Dawn Butler lambasted Rishi Sunak's number two after he claimed Labour green plans would cost mortgage payers an extra £1,000 a year.

Ms Butler told the Commons that this is untrue and accused Mr Dowden of breaking the Ministerial Code by failing to put the record straight.

But she was rapped by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who told her that she could only accuse the Deputy PM of "inadvertently misleading" fellow MPs.

Putting forward a point of order after Mr Dowden's lacklustre performance at PMQs, when he stood in for Rishi Sunak, Ms Butler said: "Mr Speaker, I don't know if you're shocked but I am.

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Dawn Butler called on Deputy PM Oliver Dowden to resign (Parliament TV)

"The Deputy Prime Minister had an opportunity to correct the record today where he misled the House on June 7."

Sir Lindsay swiftly interjected, telling the Brent North MP: "As you know, you can't say misled."

Ms Butler continued: "The Deputy Prime Minister inadvertently misled the House but didn't come to correct the record even though we made it clear that he has with regards to the £28billion cost to mortgage holders, £1,000 a year.

"The only place that appeared was the Daily Mail. He's disrespected yourself, he's disrespected Parliament and the House, and according to the Ministerial Code he should now resign."

Ms Butler accused Deputy PM Oliver Dowden of breaking the Ministerial Code (PA)

Mr Dowden told the Commons last month that Labour's plan to spend £28 billion a year on initiatives to reduce carbon emissions would push up interest rates "adding £1,000 to everyone's mortgage".

He was speaking two days after the Daily Mail reported that "Treasury analysis" suggested the pledge would increase interest rates by 0.75% and add £1,000 a year to a £200,000 home loan.

But the source of the figures has since been challenged, with LBC reporting earlier this month that the Statistics Authority had spoken to the Treasury and been informed by it that the figure is not based on analysis by Treasury officials.

Sir Lindsay said the responsibility to make any necessary correction to the record lies with Mr Dowden, adding: "I think it is upon Government to look at itself.

"If the ministerial code is not being adhered to, I really do think the rules need to be looked at again to ensure that ministers, because don't forget elections change ministers as well, that ministers ought to ensure that this House hear the facts. I will leave it at that."

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