Politics latest news: Rishi Sunak forced to insist he has full confidence in Suella Braverman

Downing Street’s statement at lunchtime that Suella Braverman’s article for The Times was not cleared has prompted questions in Westminster over whether the Home Secretary could have breached the ministerial code. 

In the section on media interviews and speeches, the code states: “In order to ensure the effective coordination of Cabinet business, the policy content and timing of all major announcements, speeches, press releases and new policy initiatives should be cleared in draft with the No 10 Press and Private Offices at least 24 hours in advance. 

“All major interviews and media appearances, both print and broadcast, should also be agreed with the No 10 Press Office.”

Ms Braverman’s team would likely argue that there is a difference between rhetoric and policy, with the piece in The Times focused on the former rather than the latter. 

Also, an opinion piece for a newspaper is not necessarily a “major announcement” so it may not fall under the relevant section of the code.