Boris Johnson faced a barrage of criticism in parliament on Monday after his failed attempt last week to block the suspension of an MP found guilty of misconduct and overturn the internal policing system that incriminated him.
But the prime minister was absent from the House of Commons as it held an emergency debate on political ethics. His office cited a scheduled visit to a hospital 400 kilometres away in northern England, prompting accusations of cowardice.
"The prime minister is running scared," said Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader. Opposition parties say the episode has revealed a Conservative government that plays fast and loose with the rules, and they want a public inquiry into corruption allegations.
"The actions of the government
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