The Russia report, Number 10 and 'fury' in the Conservative Party - BBC Newsnight

Julian Lewis has been appointed chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee instead of No 10’s choice, Chris Grayling. Will we now see the publication of the longawaited Russia report? Subscribe to our channel here

Julian Lewis has had the Conservative whip withdrawn after being appointed chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee.

Downing Street accuses Mr Lewis of working with opposition MPs to secure the chairmanship of the committee, ahead of No 10's preferred choice Chris Grayling.

In what’s being described as a coup, opposition members of the committee were worried Chris Grayling would be too close to Downing Street, and decided to back Julian Lewis.

The committee scrutinises the work of the intelligence and security services and is due to publish the long-awaited report on alleged Russian interference in UK politics.

Former chair Dominic Grieve said the report had been sent to Downing Street on 17 October and was ready for publication once it had been signed off, a process that usually takes up to 10 days.

Will Julian Lewis' appointment as chair mean we will now see the publication of the report?

Political Editor Nick Watt reports.

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