Tories ‘frustrated’ by Raab allegations

Welcome to The Independent's Inside Politics newsletter

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE: £1 FOR 3 MONTHS February 02, 2023 View in browser Hello there, I'm Adam Forrest and welcome to The Independent's Inside Politics newsletter.   It's now 100 days for Rishi Sunak at No 10. The prime minister had been hoping to consign Tory sleaze to Room 101 for the rest of his premiership – but the Dominic Raab bullying probe story just won't go away.   The PM is facing questions about what he knew and when he knew it, after No 10 refused to deny claims he was aware of informal concerns about Raab in the summer. There is growing frustration among Tory MPs who hope the inquiry can be hurried along. "We want it to go away as quickly as possible," said one. Inside the bubble Our chief political commentator John Rentoul on what to look out for today:   The big fixture for today is the Bank of England's 12 noon announcement on interest rates. The Bank is expected to push rates 0.5% higher. Expect chancellor Jeremy Hunt to tell broadcasters that's a vital part of the battle against inflation. Foreign secretary James Cleverly and defence secretary Ben Wallace hold a joint press conference with their Australian counterparts this afternoon. And watch out for Piers Morgan's interview with Rishi Sunak at 8pm this evening. Daily briefing Sunak under pressure from 'frustrated' Tories over Raab The PM is under growing pressure to explain what he knew and when about the Raab bullying claims. Tory MPs have called for the inquiry to be fast-tracked. Interest rates set to rise again to 4% Markets expect the Bank's monetary policy committee to hike rates from 3.5% to 4% on Thursday. Economists hope it's nearly the end of the cycle. Labour MP calls Israeli government 'fascist' Left-winger Kim Johnson has apologised for calling the Israeli government "fascist" at PMQs. The MP received a telling-off by the Labour whips. Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today. Most commented Articles driving the biggest conversations UK and EU 'strike customs deal' in Brexit breakthrough Essential reading John Rentoul, The Independent: Sunak has a card up his sleeve that could decide the next election Layla Moran, The Independent: How to rebuild our relationship with Europe after Brexit Isabel Hardman, The Spectator: Why are the Tories dragging their feet over public sector pay? Kevin Maguire, New Statesman: Who will be Keir Starmer's chief of staff?   We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email.   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Inside Politics email. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Inside Politics email, please unsubscribe. If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.