A couple of days ago, William Wragg MP, the Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (which oversees the work of the cabinet office, including the Prime Minister’s office), issued this statement on Parliament.tv
In recent days, a number of members of parliament have faced pressures and intimidation from members of the government because of their declared or assumed desire for a vote of confidence in the party leadership of the Prime Minister.
It is of course the duty of the government, whip’s office to secure the government’s business in the House of Commons.
However, it is not their function to breach the ministerial code in threatening to withdraw investments from Members of Parliament’s constituencies which are funded from the public purse.
Additionally, reports to me and others of members of staff at Number 10 Downing Street, special advisers, government ministers and others, encouraging the publication of stories in the press, seeking to embarrass those who they suspect of lacking confidence in the Prime Minister is similarly unacceptable.
The intimidation of a Member of Parliament is a serious matter. Moreover, the reports of which I’m aware, would seem to constitute blackmail. As such, it would be my general advice to colleagues to report these matters to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and they’re also welcome to contact me at any time.