Labour accuses Boris Johnson of ‘running scared’ as PM misses standards debate

Labour has accused Boris Johnson of “running scared”, after he failed to attend today’s emergency commons debate on MPs’ standards.

Downing Street said the prime minister had planned a visit to a hospital in Northumberland and could not get back in time.

The speaker told MPs they must sort out the mess they are in, amid the chaos surrounding the Owen Paterson lobbying affair.

Mr Paterson maintains he did nothing wrong but has resigned his seat.