Thank you to the huge number of constituents who contacted me about the damning findings of the cross-party Privileges Committee investigation into Boris Johnson.

Following an extensive investigation, the truth is now a matter of public record – that Boris Johnson broke his own lockdown rules and then lied repeatedly about it. From the number of emails I have received on this issue it is abundantly clear that – far from the claims of a ‘stitch up’ being made by certain sections of the Conservative Party – the British public aren’t in the least bit surprised by the outcome of this investigation. But it was nevertheless important for democratic accountability that our elected parliament held the Prime Minister to account for one of the most dismal episodes in our recent politics.

Boris Johnson could have broken the habit of a lifetime and graciously accepted the findings, apologised, and faced his constituents in a byelection. Yet true to form he instead chose to resign in a sulk, having orchestrated what the report described as a “campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the committee”. I know I speak for many when I express my relief that he is now out of parliament, over which he has held a poisonous influence for far too long.

Yet I’m afraid this sorry chapter of Conservative sleaze and a dismal collapse in standards is far from over. When Rishi Sunak entered Downing Street, he promised the public “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”. Yet instead, he has point blank refused to criticise Boris Johnson’s behaviour, swerved both votes on the Privileges Committee report, and simply waved through Boris Johnson’s disgraceful resignation honours list that dished out awards and peerages to cronies and fellow lockdown rule-breakers. It’s completely unacceptable.

The appalling circus over the last year has only strengthened my resolve to get a Labour government elected that can bring an end to this depressing era of ministerial wrongdoing and restore integrity to public life. But until then, please know that I will continue to do everything in my power to hold the Tories to account for the shameful behaviour we have seen in recent years.