Suella Braverman will face no "further investigation" as her actions over a speeding ticket “do not amount to a breach of the ministerial code”, Rishi Sunak has said.
The Prime Minister, who consulted his ethics adviser over the case, did not order a formal investigation but criticised her handling of the situation.
Rishi Sunak told the Home Secretary “a better course of action could have been taken to avoid giving rise to the perception of impropriety”.
Braverman has been accused of breaching the code by asking taxpayer-funded civil servants to help with a private matter.
The Prime Minister did not order a formal investigation but criticised Suella Braverman's handling of the situation
PA
In her letter to Sunak, the Home Secretary said: “I sought to explore whether bespoke arrangements were possible, given my personal circumstances as a security-protected minister.
“I recognise how some people have construed this as me seeking to avoid sanction – at no point was that the intention or outcome.
“Nonetheless, given the fundamental importance of integrity in public life, I deeply regret that my actions may have given rise to that perception, and I apologise for the distraction this has caused.”
She accepted a fine and penalty points on her driving licence for the speeding offence.
In response, the Prime Minister said: “I have consulted with my independent adviser. He has advised that on this occasion further investigation is not necessary and I have accepted that advice.
"On the basis of your letter and our discussion, my decision is that these matters do not amount to a breach of the ministerial code.
“As you have recognised, a better course of action could have been taken to avoid giving rise to the perception of impropriety.”
Braverman said she regrets that her handling of a speeding ticket “have led some to question my commitment” to honesty, integrity and openness.
Braverman said she regrets that her handling of a speeding ticket 'have led some to question my commitment' to honesty, integrity and openness
PA
The decision has been met with backlash from Liberal Democrats who have said the Prime Minister’s decision not to order a formal investigation amounts to a “cowardly cop-out'.
The party’s chief whip Wendy Chamberlain said: “This is a cowardly cop-out from Rishi Sunak. With every scandal, we see the Prime Minister dither, delay and flip-flop, never taking decisive action. This is not the leadership the country needs during such a severe cost-of-living crisis. Sunak is too weak to even order an investigation, let alone sack his Home Secretary.
“Sunak had the chance to do the right thing but instead he’s once again chosen to be ruled by his own hardline backbenchers. He may be in office but he is barely in power.”
