Braverman return sets ‘dangerous precedent’

Rishi Sunak’s decision to reappoint Suella Braverman as home secretary sets a “dangerous precedent” for what should happen to ministers alleged to have broken the ministerial code, a Conservative-led committee of MPs has warned.

The public administration and constitutional affairs committee released its latest report into government ethics yesterday, issuing a damning judgment on the government’s recent record in office.

It took issue, in particular, with the reappointment of Braverman, who resigned in the last days of Liz Truss’s premiership after sending an official document from her personal email to another MP. However, Sunak made her home secretary again, despite promising to bring “integrity and accountability” back to government.

The committee said: “The reappointment of the home secretary sets a dangerous precedent. The leaking of restricted material is worthy of significant sanction under the new graduated sanctions regime introduced in May, including resignation and a significant period out of office.

“A subsequent change in prime minister should not wipe the slate clean and allow for a rehabilitation and a return to ministerial office in a shorter timeframe.”

The Cabinet Office said: “We have been clear that this government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level … We will respond to the committee’s recommendations in due course.”

Sunak pledged a return to sombre and ethical government after the turbulence of Truss and her predecessor, Boris Johnson. The backing of rightwing Braverman in the Tory leadership campaign was considered pivotal in killing off Johnson’s return.

Sunak has also struggled to appoint an independent ethics adviser after the resignation of Christopher Geidt, who quit after months of revelations about lockdown-breaking parties in No 10. Several candidates have turned down the role owing to concerns about its remit. The committee said the role should be enshrined in law, and the new adviser should be able to begin their own inquiries – including into historical behaviour.