KEIR Starmer has taken on Boris Johnson after a string of revelations over Tory sleaze at the heart of the UK Government.
Starmer opened Prime Minister's Questions by asking Johnson if he would have rather seen “bodies pile high” than implement another lockdown.
The Labour leader highlighted that "numerous sources" had told the Daily Mail, BBC and ITV that the Prime Minister had made the remark.
He said: “Can the Prime Minister tell the House categorically yes or no, did he make those remarks or remarks to that effect?”
Johnson replied: “No. And (Sir Keir) is a lawyer, I am given to understand, and I think if he is going to repeat allegations like that he should come to this House and substantiate those allegations, and say where he heard them and who exactly is supposed to have said those things.”
He added: “Lockdowns are miserable, lockdowns are appalling things to have to do, but I have to say that I believe we had absolutely no choice.”
Starmer responded by saying: “Well, somebody here isn’t telling the truth."
He then reminded the Prime Minister that the ministerial code states "ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation".
READ MORE: WATCH: SNP MP told language 'not savoury' as he asks Boris Johnson if he's a liar
Starmer continued: “Who initially, and Prime Minister, initially is the key word here, who initially paid for the redecoration of his Downing Street flat?”
Johnson said he paid for the renovations "personally" saying that he will be advised on any further declarations on the matter by Lord Geidt.
The Prime Minister announced today that Geidt, a crossbench peer, will be the independent adviser on ministers' interests for the UK Government.
Starmer pressed again on the Downing Street flat, offering the PM a "multiple choice”.
He said either the taxpayer, Tory Party, a private donor or Johnson himself paid the initial invoice for renovations.
Johnson highlighted the previous Labour government's spending on the flat and repeated that he had "covered the costs personally".
Saying that the public "scream at their televisions" for the Prime Minister to answer questions at PMQs, Starmer continued: “The Prime Minister hasn’t answered the question, he knows he hasn’t answered the question, he never answers the question.”
The Labour leader reminded Johnson he is required to declare any benefits that relate to his political activities, including loans or credit arrangements, within 28 days.
He added: “He will also know any donation must be recorded in the register of ministers’ interests and, under the law, any donation of over £500 to a political party must be registered and declared. So, the rules are very clear.
“The Electoral Commission now thinks there are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence or offences may have occurred. That’s incredibly serious.
“Can the Prime Minister tell the House: does he believe that any rules or laws have been broken in relation to the refurbishment of the Prime Minister’s flat?”
Johnson replied: “No, I don’t. What I believe has been strained to breaking point is the credulity of the public.”
READ MORE: Boris Johnson to be investigated by Electoral Commission over flat refurbishment
Starmer concluded by listing the principles meant to govern those in public office, telling the Commons: “Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
“Instead, what do we get from this Prime Minister and Conservative Government?
“Dodgy contracts, jobs for their mates and cash for access – and who is at the heart of it? The Prime Minister, major sleaze sitting there.”
The Labour leader went on to claim the Government is “mired in sleaze, cronyism and scandal”.
Johnson defended his record in Government, telling MPs: “Week after week, the people of this country can see the difference between a Labour Party that twists and turns with the wind and thinks of nothing except playing political games, whereas this party gets on with delivering on the people’s priorities.”
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