PMQs preview: Expect deputy Dowden to raise Rayner police investigation as he stands in for Sunak
By Gurpreet Narwan, political correspondent
Angela Rayner has been keeping a low profile since news emerged of a police investigation into her living arrangements a couple of weeks ago.
She has largely avoided direct Q&As with journalists.
After persistent efforts by the Conservative MP for Bury North, James Daley, Greater Manchester Police announced a dozen officers are now investigating whether she broke electoral law.
Ms Rayner has released a statement maintaining her innocence, but the Conservatives will no doubt bring it to the fore again at PMQs.
With Rishi Sunak in Germany, today’s session will involve the Deputies: Oliver Dowden and Angela Rayner.
Ms Rayner will have her defense ready.
She might accuse the Conservatives of manufacturing a police investigation to distract from their own performance with just a week to go until the local elections.
The timing is fortunate for Labour.
It comes just days after the former Tory MP Mark Menzies quit parliament after being subject to damaging allegations about the misuse of campaign funds.
Labor MPs are now taking their turn to push for a police investigation.
PMQs is being set against a major policy announcement by the PM, who has promised to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.
That’s awkward for Labour. It has taken the fizz out of the opposition’s promise to hit 2.5 percent target “as soon as resources allow”.
Once again, the Tories are backing Labor into a corner over public finances, forcing the party to figure out a way it can match the government’s promises without raising taxes or cutting spending.
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