Tory staffers have come under pressure not to sign a letter calling for more stringent checks on those wishing to become an MP in light of the ongoing “pestminster” scandal, Sky News can reveal.
The letter, organised by Angus McVean and Henry Dixon-Clegg, is addressed to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Conservative Party chairman Oliver Dowden and Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle and calls for changes to the ways in which parliamentary candidates are selected.
Sky News has seen accounts of staffers claiming they are being pressured by Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) not to sign the letter as it would put a “black mark” against their name.
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Sky News has also seen messages sent from MPs to staff warning them that the chief whip, Chris Heaton-Harris, was aware of who had signed the letter ahead of it being sent to the prime minister.
This is, however, disputed by the…
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