Daniel Stilitz QC, who assisted Sue Gray in her investigation into the government’s alleged breach of Covid rules, once wrote on Twitter that Mr. Johnson should not be trusted. Mr Stilic also shared comments on the internet accusing Johnson of “fake news”, criticizing Brexit and urging people to join the Labor Party. The prime minister’s allies want to know what legal role Mr Stilic played in shaping Ms Gray’s investigation, which began as an internal investigation but was eventually taken over by the police. A Whitehall source questioned whether he should have been involved, given the many anti-Johnson posts on social media. Separately, Whitehall has been alerted to recent leaks about the contents of the Gray report, including proposals that are so reprehensible that Mr Johnson should resign as soon as it is published. Ms. Gray’s report on the allegations of a party breaking the lockdown will be made public as soon as the Metropolitan Police completes its investigation. The rebels, who plan to oust the prime minister, have targeted the date of publication – which could be weeks or months – at a time when they could renew their push to force him to step down.
“Johnson’s fake news machine”
In an initial briefing on her investigations published in January, Ms Gray, a senior civil servant, said Mr Stillitz was “providing independent advice on the process”. A little more information has been provided on the scale or specificity of Mr Stilitz’s advice. However, details of some of his left-leaning political views began to emerge last week. In a tweet as the prime minister negotiated Brexit, Mr Stilitz wrote: “A lifeline for Labor MPs considering supporting the deal: if you trust Johnson, you are a mug.” In another tweet before his appointment, he wrote about “Johnson’s fake news machine” and called an article linked to a “bad indictment” of how the media was “played from No. 10.” In separate tweets, before Sue Gray’s investigation, they reportedly saw Mr Stilic criticize Brexit and urge people to join the Labor Party. Other obvious links with the Left have emerged. Mr. Stilitz is the director of the High Pay Center, a think tank with close ties to the Compass Left team. The think tank says it is independent and non-partisan.
“Committed by the Code of Conduct”
Mr. Johnson’s allies have been concerned about the apparent content of the Gray report. It has not been reported to Downing Street, but there have been reports that the findings are so damaging that they could end Mr Johnson’s presidency. Given the weight given to the hitherto unknown revelations by Tory lawmakers, it is likely that supporters of the prime minister will seek to challenge his production style. Few details have emerged about Mr Stilic’s role in Mrs Gray’s investigation. A spokesman for the Cabinet Office said: “As Sue Gray’s briefing on the investigation became clear, the Treasury Attorney and Daniel Stilitz QC provided independent advice on the investigation process. The judgments in both the information and the final report are solely hers, in order to establish the facts in accordance with the published terms of reference of the investigation. The Terms of Reference and Daniel Stilitz QC were in effect before Sue Gray was appointed to lead the investigation. “Daniel Stilic has extensive experience in government work, having received instructions from many government departments on a wide range of important matters. As with all members of the Bar Association, his personal views are his own and have nothing to do with the professional advice he provides as an independent lawyer. It is bound by the Code of Conduct which stipulates that all lawyers maintain their independence and act in the best interest of their client. “ Mr Stilitz did not comment when approached by email.
