Maria Caulfield MP elusive on Boris Johnson report

James MacCleary says:

Recently, Maria Caulfield MP refused to disclose her position on the Privileges Committee’s extraordinary report into Boris Johnson’s conduct, despite many questions from her constituents. In an open letter and a follow-up letter addressed to her, I requested that she provide constituents with a straight answer regarding her voting stance on the report, which investigates whether former Prime Minister Boris Johnson knowingly misled parliament.

Neighbouring Wealden Conservative MP Nus Ghani made clear her position, despite being unable to attend the vote. Transparency and accountability should be fundamental pillars of our democracy, and it is disheartening when our MP repeatedly evades such crucial questions. I will continue to push for clarity from Maria Caulfield MP, as her constituents deserve an open and honest representation. I’m yet to receive a reply. 

Here is the letter:

Dear Ms Caulfield

I am writing to you in relation to the recent vote in the House of Commons on the report of the Parliamentary Privileges Committee. 

However, firstly I’d like to say how sorry I was to hear of your recent bereavement and I would like to convey my condolences to you and your family for your loss. 

I have felt the need to write to you formally on the Privileges Committee matter as many residents have been in touch with me directly and asked you openly on social media to disclose to us how you would have voted had you been in a position to attend the vote on Monday, 19th June?

It is quite a straightforward question and it would be good to be able to get a clear answer from you on this matter. Many residents were unable to attend the funerals of their own loved ones during lockdown and have been appalled to hear of the conduct of Mr Johnson during that time. Your defence of Mr Johnson on Question Time over the ‘Partygate’ scandal was while these wounds were still raw for very many residents.

Many therefore understandably assume that you would not have supported the committee’s findings that include censuring Mr Johnson. I would like to ask you why the continued evasion on this simple question? Do you not feel that it would be respectful to your constituents that they should know how you would have voted, even though circumstances meant that you could not attend in person for the vote?

I hope that you will be able to give a straight answer to this question both to me personally and to the rest of your constituents publicly as a matter of urgency. 

Yours sincerely
James MacCleary