Rishi Sunak 'to consult independent ethics adviser' over Suella Braverman speeding claims

21 May 2023, 21:07 | Updated: 22 May 2023, 08:40

Rishi Sunak will reportedly consult his independent ethics adviser over Suella Braverman's handling of a speeding offence
Rishi Sunak will reportedly consult his independent ethics adviser over Suella Braverman's handling of a speeding offence. Picture: Alamy

By Chris Samuel

Rishi Sunak will reportedly consult his independent ethics adviser over Suella Braverman's handling of a speeding offence, following claims the Home Secretary asked civil servants to arrange a private one-on-one driving awareness course for her.

The prime minister will speak with his adviser about the matter after returning to London from the G7 summit in Japan, Sky News reports.

Ms Braverman, 43, had been caught speeding while attorney general last summer and is said to have initially opted to attend a course in lieu of points and the fine, with sources telling The Sunday Times that the cabinet minister, who earns £150,000-a-year, made the decision over concerns that points on her licence would increase her car insurance premium.

But according to the outlet, Ms Braverman asked officials to contact the course provider and try to negotiate her receiving a one-on-one session instead.

After civil servants refused to do so, she is reported to have asked a political aide to help her, who tried unsuccessfully to persuade the course organiser to provide a private session, or allow her to use an alias or turn her camera off.

Listen and subscribe to Unprecedented: Inside Downing Street on Global Player

After the provider refused, the Home Secretary opted to take the three points on her licence, the outlet reported.

A spokesperson for Ms Braverman said she "accepts that she was speeding last summer and regrets doing so".

A spokesperson for the Home Secretary has said she accepts she was speeding and "regrets doing so"
A spokesperson for the Home Secretary has said she accepts she was speeding and "regrets doing so". Picture: Alamy

"She took the three points and paid the fine last year," they added.

Mr Sunak was asked about the row earlier on Sunday at the end of the G7 summit, and appeared to be frustrated by the question.

"I don't know the full details of what has happened nor have I spoken to the Home Secretary," he said.

"I think you can see first-hand what I have been doing over the last day or so but I understand that she's expressed regret for speeding, accepted the penalty and paid the fine."

Rishi Sunak will reportedly speak with his ethics adviser upon his return from the G7 summit in Japan
Rishi Sunak will reportedly speak with his ethics adviser upon his return from the G7 summit in Japan. Picture: Alamy

A No 10 spokesperson later insisted the PM does "of course" have full confidence in Ms Braverman.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper branded the claims "shocking" and called for Mr Sunak to launch an investigation.

"We've had 13 years of the Tories trying to dodge the rules for themselves and their mates. Enough is enough," she said.

The prime minister alone has the power to trigger an ethics investigation, as Mr Sunak did over former Tory party chairman Nadhim Zawahi's tax affairs.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Martin Hibbert, who was injured in the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, makes a statement outside the Royal Courts Of Justice.

Manchester Arena survivors awarded £45,000 in harassment case against conspiracy theorist

'Faint giggles': The Globe on Baker Street has been hit with restrictions

London pub hit with restrictions after faint giggles from customers annoyed one man

Black Friday deals have begun across the UK

Black Friday 2024: When does it start and everything you need to know to get the best deals

Front of Circle Line London Underground tube train and driver obscured face emerging from tunnel entering train station platform England UK

Tube drivers call off strike after being offered four-day week, pay rise and fewer hours

Clarkson furious as farmers’ inheritance tax protest 'blocked' by government as pro-Palestinian rallies continue

Clarkson furious as farmers’ inheritance tax protest 'blocked' after Labour declares 'all out-war on the countryside'

A Taekwondo coach has been jailed for nine years for abusing two young girls

Taekwondo coach jailed for nine years after sexually abusing two young children

Susan McGowan died after taking the weight-loss drug tirzepatide

Nurse becomes first UK death linked to NHS-approved weight-loss jab Mounjaro

Violence broke out after the match in Amsterdam

Israeli football fans targeted by pro-Palestine 'hit-and-run attacks' as 62 arrested, Amsterdam mayor says

Brave daughter refused to open safe for armed criminals who posed as police to raid £2.5m Sandbanks home

Brave daughter refused to open safe for armed criminals who posed as police to raid £2.5m Sandbanks home

The woman was hit on Garratt lane, Earlsfield

E-bike rider arrested after crash left woman in 70s fighting for life

Kate will attend the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.

Princess Kate to join royals at Remembrance events this weekend - but Queen's attendance depends on medical advice

Dozens of cars were washed away as new flash flooding hit a town in Spain

Scenes of destruction as new flash floods hit Spanish town - washing away dozens of cars

Violence broke out after the match in Amsterdam

Israel sends planes to Amsterdam to 'rescue' football fans as Dutch PM condemns 'anti-Semitic attacks'

David Lammy dismisses Donald Trump 'neo-Nazi symathiser' comments as 'old news'

David Lammy dismisses past criticism of Donald Trump as 'old news' conceding pair will find 'common ground'

Sir Mark Rowley said people with ‘huge influence’ had made comments that risked undermining justice

Met chief Sir Mark Rowley delivers thinly-veiled rebuke to Sadiq Khan and other figures over Chris Kaba remarks

Military dogs get £3m kit upgrade including goggles and combat vests to help k9s parachute into war

Military dogs get £3m kit boost with goggles, vests, and boots to prepare them for parachute drops into combat zones