THE STROUD MP has explained why she abstained on this week's privileges committee vote. 

On Monday MPs voted overwhelmingly to back a damning report that found Boris Johnson lied to Parliament with his partygate denials, as Rishi Sunak stayed away from proceedings.

Just seven MPs voted against the comittee’s findings, in a humiliating defeat for the former prime minister less than a year after he left No 10.

With 354 votes in favour, MPs endorsed sanctions against Mr Johnson recommended by the committee, including banning him from having a pass to access Parliament, which is usually available to former MPs.

Today Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave his “full support” to the Privileges Committee following the vote. 

Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie however abstained on the vote. 

"I make no apologies for not voting in the privileges Committee debate about whether Boris Johnson should lose his pass as an ex MP," said Ms Baillie.

"It was a one-line whip so I was not compelled to be there and I decided to use my time locally like many members from all political parties appear to have also done.

"I decided it was more important to be in Stroud on Monday hearing from those who were recently hit by floods in the town.

"My diary is booked up for months in advance so I was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with businesses and councils.

"However, as I have made clear to anybody who has written to me about this, I very much respect the important work of the Privileges Committee and the findings of its thorough investigation.

"Committee members should not have been attacked either.

"Please also note that Parliament was not going to vote on the report as there was really no need.

"A Labour whip pushed the matter to a vote - against convention, just to cause political mischief. Parliament still voted in favour of the report so they gained little apart from perhaps whipping up more hate against people like me online.

"Local people know that I ignore Twitter nonsense and I try to avoid political games.

"I do my best to manage every day to best help people here and I will continue to do so."