George Freeman scandal: Kemi Badenoch's silence is "following in Boris Johnson's footsteps"

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats are calling for Kemi Badenoch to “come out of hiding” and immediately suspend the whip from George Freeman after he referred himself to the parliamentary watchdog for investigation, and accused her of “following in Boris Johnson’s footsteps” by so far refusing to do so.

The former Science Minister has referred himself to the standards commissioner after emails have come to light suggesting that he had lobbied the government on behalf of the environmental monitoring company GHGSat, whilst in their employ.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper MP said:

“Kemi Badenoch’s deafening silence over this scandal shows she is following in Boris Johnson’s footsteps when it comes to leading the Conservative Party. Her refusal to take action should come as no shock from someone who thinks the partygate scandal was ‘overblown’.

“Far from the Conservatives listening to the public they are reverting back to type, with Badenoch’s leadership representing the same silence on alleged sleaze and scandal that they cultivated so well whilst in Government.

“Kemi Badenoch needs to come out of hiding and suspend the whip from George Freeman whilst this investigation is ongoing.”

ENDS