Partygate Now It’s Blackmailgate

[Hymie]

From the Good Law Project

Following revelations of bullying from several MPs, lawyers for Good Law Project have written to the Prime Minister and Michael Gove threatening judicial review proceedings for misusing Ministerial powers – and pointing out that the revelations may amount to the criminal offence of misconduct in public office.

Yesterday, the MP for Bury South went on record to say the Government threatened to scrap plans to build a school in his constituency unless he voted with the Government. Imagine threatening to punish school kids to save your own skin.

Sadly, this latest revelation doesn’t come as a shock. The newspapers have carried stories for months that the Government has been blackmailing MPs by threatening to punish their constituents unless they toed the party line.

Reports suggest the Government has used these dirty tactics to pressure MPs to vote a certain way on everything from free school meals to cutting international aid. They are also said to have used these threats to force a vote to save the disgraced former MP Owen Paterson from suspension.

If proven, the allegations could amount to misconduct in public office – a criminal offence. And they would amount to an unlawful misuse of Ministerial powers.

Good Law Project had already written to the Government regarding these underhand tactics. They tried to brush the allegations off.

But now more MPs and former MPs are breaking cover to confirm these reports and we are once again demanding answers from the Government. We want to know if they are investigating these serious allegations from their own MPs. If not, why not? We also want full sight of any complaints made by MPs.

If answers aren’t not forthcoming, we are likely to commence further legal action against the Prime Minister.

[Peter Pedant]

I want to record here - one of my colleagues was 'got against the wall' by the MD (private employment) and told no more moolah if he persisted in his union activities and he
.............. continued
pay rise delayed 10 y
basically he said it was worth it

[Hymie]

Many posting on this thread have intimated that blackmail is the standard operating procedure within the Palace of Westminster.

But Boris has categorically said that he has seen no evidence of MPs being blackmailed – and he is not a man known to lie, is he?

[webbo3]

Unless they have written proof its just hot air with no proof.

[ichkeria]

He was careful to say he hasn’t seen any evidence - not that it doesn’t happen.

He seems “not to see” quite a lot of things.

[fcc]

So when prospective candidates come knocking at election time and promise you things isn't that blackmail.

[ichkeria]

No.

It might be dishonest (if they do that)
But it’s not blackmail of course

[fcc]

Yes,but they do threaten if you don't vote for me how bad life will be with other candidates if they get in.

[ichkeria]

Really?

Lol they even if it were true is hardly the same thing
Canvassers who went round threatening people would not be doing a very good job

[fcc]

Yes,really.

[ichkeria]

If you have had candidates threatening you you should report them
If all they are saying is “vote for me and live will be great”
“Vote for the others and life will be bad”
Well it’s silly but it isn’t quite the same thing as a specific threat to do x and blacken you in the eyes of your constituents if you don’t do y

[fcc]

It's as much blackmail as what some of the MP's are alleging,that's my point.

[ichkeria]

Yes I understand. And my point is that it’s nothing like it