Whitehall farce as Tory returns to fold
Semi-detached rebel: Sir Richard Body 'temporarily' accepts Government whip
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.COLIN BROWN
Chief Political Correspondent
There was no white coat, but distinct signs of flapping within the Government last night over the restoration of the whip to the Tory Euro-rebel Sir Richard Body.
The veteran MP for Holland with Boston caused confusion and a set-back for John Major after saying he had accepted the whip "temporarily" and could resign again if he is not satisfied with assurances about European fishing policy.
Sir Richard was officially welcomed back to the fold at a lunch at 12 Downing Street by Alastair Goodlad, the Government chief whip.
Mr Major, who once said he heard "the flapping of white coats" every time he heard Sir Richard's name, diplomatically stayed two doors away in No 10.
Mr Goodlad later issued a statement saying Sir Richard was "in receipt of the whip". The whips breathed a sigh of relief that the Government's wafer-thin majority had been increased.
Unaware of this, Sir Richard issued a statement saying that he had not taken the whip, although he promised to support the Government in votes where he could. Five minutes later, Sir Richard, after consulting the whips' office, issued a new statement that he had "temporarily" accepted the whip.
The confusion technically meant John Major's Commons majority yo-yoed from five to three and back again within less than an hour.
Sir Richard made clear his continued support would depend on the legality of Government assurances about protection for British fishermen.
The "will-he-won't-he?" farce left ministers exasperated and Labour jubilant. Robin Cook, Labour's foreign affairs spokes-man, said it was a "personal humiliation for John Major".
Mr Cook added that despite the assurances by the Government chief whip that Sir Richard would take the Tory whip, it was clear that Sir Richard was making his support conditional on further concessions to his Euro- sceptic views.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments