Copy of the letter of complaint sent to Sunday Times from Sir David Natzler, Clerk of the House of Commons:

I write as Head of the House of Commons service to complain formally about the article published on the front page of The Sunday Times on 20th January.

Your claim that a named official was “drawing up plans to overturn the normal rules of parliament” in support of “rebel MPs” are insinuations of improper behaviour and support for a particular political position, and a gross misrepresentation of the nature of the relationship between Clerks and Members of Parliament. Providing advice to MPs is a key part of the job of Clerks. MPs from all parties and with a range of views will regularly approach the Clerks to get advice on how to get their view into a motion or amendment, or how to draft a Private Member’s Bill on a particular topic. They will offer such advice regardless of any personal views on the subject.