LONDON, 18 November 2021, (TON): This session coincides with a simmering crisis over MPs' conduct UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a parliamentary grilling over charges of sleaze within his Conservative party and lacklustre leadership at the COP26 climate summit.

Johnson will be quizzed by the heads of parliament's cross-party select committees at 1500 GMT for a stock-take of government policy, typically held three times a year and which can prove uncomfortable for under-fire leaders.

This session, Johnson's sixth since becoming prime minister in mid-2019, coincides with a simmering crisis over MPs' conduct, primarily from his own ruling Conservative party, over potential conflicts of interest and lucrative second jobs.

On the eve of his appearance, Johnson sought to get on the front foot by writing to parliament's speaker to say he will back proposals to bar British lawmakers from acting as paid political consultants and advisers.

He wrote "it is imperative that we put beyond doubt the reputation of the House of Commons by ensuring the rules which apply to MPs are up to date, effective and appropriately rigorous.”

The move came as the main opposition Labour party prepared to introduce a vote Wednesday to bar MPs from such roles, as well as being paid directors, which its leader Keir Starmer said had forced Johnson's hand.

British lawmakers are permitted to hold outside roles, as long as they declare them, but are not allowed to use their parliamentary offices or resources for such work.