Intelligence & Security Committee Chair appointed - except its not Johnson's choice

They say a day in politics is a long time.

This afternoon Julian Lewis was voted as the Chair of the Intelligence & Security Committee, against the wishes of Boris Johnson.

Johnson's choice of Grayling, an attempt to appoint 'yes-men' to the intelligence committee was undone. Lewis is a eminently more sensible choice as the chair.

What is interesting though, is this evening, just a few minutes ago Johnson removed the whip from Julian Lewis, ensuring the Conservatives have a minority on the Intelligence & Security Committee, and a majority of 79 MPs.

There is real hope that the #RussiaReport may now be published, the report into Russian interference of our democracy so MPs can scrutinise it fully and the public can see the extent of rumoured interference in our political system.

"With the ongoing pandemic, people are rightly worried. That is why it is more important than ever before that people can have faith in their Politicians..

"I hope we now have a committee with real teeth that can hold this Government to account said Ellen Nicholson, SW Wilts Lib Dem Spokesperson.