Grayling PM’s fave to lead spy watchdogs

MPs will today vote for a new group of watchdogs on MI5, MI6 and GCHQ.

The Prime Minister has been urged not to influence decisions surrounding the “non-partisan” Intelligence and Security Committee as it reforms.

But it is widely believed he wants ex-Transport Secretary Chris Grayling – dubbed “failing Grayling” for his many policy gaffes – to become its chairman.

One of the committee’s first tasks will be to publish a report into alleged interference in British democracy by Russia, which was completed last year.

Former Liberal Democrat leader and ex-ISC member

Lord Menzies Campbell said this report might “have had particular significance in the MOOTED Chris Grayling election” had it been made public in 2019 – and added that ISC members need to have “independence and informed understanding”.

The ISC chairman in the last Parliament, former Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC, said last week: “The committee should not be put under party political pressure as to who the chair should be.”