Jacob Rees-Mogg struggled to bat off questions on cronyism once again this week after he was challenged on procurement processes by his counterpart, Valerie Vaz.
The Shadow Leader of the House of Commons jumped on a report by the National Audit Office which found Ministers set aside normal standards of transparency as they scrambled to secure £18 billion of supplies and services in response to the coronavirus crisis.
It was revealed that fast-track VIP lanes were set up to allow little-known companies with political contacts to win lucrative PPE deals, seemingly confirming allegations that an environment of ‘chumocracy’ had been embedded within parliament.
My Little Crony
Last week Vaz told her opposite number, Rees-Mogg that an online map called ‘My Little Crony’ showing the web of connections between the Conservatives and private companies was ‘well worth a look’.
The map shows how much of the government’s spending during the crisis has been on a ‘knows best’ basis, rather than seeking out the best people for the job.
Thanks for the shout out, @Valerie_VazMP!
— Sophie Hill (@sophie_e_hill) November 12, 2020
We all understand that the government had to act quickly during the pandemic. But that is no excuse for cronyism and incompetence.
Explore the map and decide for yourself: https://t.co/hooKR4dBx0 pic.twitter.com/mRSHZLEeUY
Yorkshire Post editor James Mitchinson tweeted out a query from a company who had been snubbed during the procurement process for no reason.
I feel a deep sense of responsibility for not being able to figure out what was going on when this person contacted me in April looking for reasons as to why she and others like her were not allowed to supply perfectly good – life-saving – PPE. Answers emerging now, it seems. pic.twitter.com/bgcSBRnRFT
— James Mitchinson (@JayMitchinson) November 18, 2020
The NAO report, released yesterday, seems to unveil why.
NAO report
Pushed on the findings in the House of Commons Rees-Mogg said it was impossible to follow usual processes owing the immediate demand of protective equipment.
Watch the exchange below:
Valerie Vaz – JRM said the govt will have turned out to have behaved impeccably on procurement… has he read the NAO report on procurement?
— Haggis_UK ?? ?? (@Haggis_UK) November 19, 2020
Jacob Rees-Mogg – If we had followed the rules then we wouldn't have been getting any additional PPE until October.. pic.twitter.com/e86tJwnZVP
Related: Tories handed free pass as Labour is engulfed by civil war
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