Seeker of the truth and protector of the vulnerable, Claire Perry has spoken out over how Westminster closes ranks to protect its own and cover up potential scandals:

“Why has it taken so many years for allegations to be believed and action to be taken?

Part of the problem can be traced, in my view, to the ‘chumocracy’ that for too long has been at the heart of the so-called Establishment, consisting of too many people with the same interests and the same out-of-touch sense of entitlement coming together to protect their own.

It is this sort of persistent ‘otherness’ that so many of us are determined to change, to make the system more representative, more real and more normal. Some may say we have not succeeded yet but we will keep on trying.”

The very same Claire Perry who, as a current Tory whip, is ignoring a complaint made to her by a young female aide about David Ruffley. Guido understands that Katie Pruszynski, who wrote to her warning that failing to sack Ruffley “is grossly at odds with our moral compass“, has been told that the whips will be taking no action. Perry yesterday declined on three separate occasions the chance to explain her decision to Guido. Whips like Perry have known about the allegations against Ruffley for years and are staying silent even now to protect him…