Politics today - as it happened: May refuses to criticise Poland’s slide into authoritarianism as Damian Green sacked over 'misleading statements'
All the latest updates from Westminster on Thursday - as they happened
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Your support makes all the difference.Theresa May travelled to Poland after sacking her closest political ally, Damian Green, who was found to have made "misleading" comments about pornography found on his parliamentary computer.
In a blow to the Prime Minister, a Whitehall inquiry revealed that the First Secretary of State had breached the ministerial code, as he had known that explicit material was found by police in 2008 - despite claiming publicly that he did not know.
On a visit to Warsaw - which came on the final day before the MPs head off for Christmas recess - Ms May failed to condemn Poland for its slide towards authoritarianism and said there should be an investigation into police leaks about Mr Green.
Meanwhile, Conservative minister Mark Garnier, who admitted asking his secretary to buy sex toys, was also cleared after a Cabinet Office investigation and will keep his job, Downing Street confirmed.
And Brexit Secretary David Davis was mocked when long-awaited documents detailing the economic impact of Brexit were published - which campaigners and MPs described as a "shoddy mess".
International Trade Minister Mark Garnier has been cleared of a breach of the ministerial code over claims he asked his assistant to buy sex toys.
A Number 10 spokesperson said: “It was not his intention to cause distress, and Mr Garnier has apologised unreservedly to the individual.
"On that basis the Prime Minister considers that a line should be drawn under the issue.”
In response to speculation (here), Downing Street has said it was a matter for Damian Green whether he accepted a golden goodbye of £17,000 after being sacked.
Mr Green is entitled to receive £16,800 which equates to a quarter of the annual £67,500 he received as a Cabinet minister.
He also receives the basic MP salary of £74,000 a year.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: "These are long established rules which are set down in legislation.
"Beyond that it is a matter for the former secretary of state as to whether or not he chooses to receive that payment."
That's it from us on the politics liveblog for today - and for the rest of the Christmas period as MPs head off for recess.
Thanks for following and have a Happy Christmas!
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