Just what does Theresa May have to hide?

Theresa May has buried bad news about Britain’s asylum system by delaying and manipulating the publication of independent inspection reports, the head of the Government’s immigration watchdog warned MPs.

In a damning letter to the Public Accounts Committee, seen by the Independent, John Vine reveals that the Home Secretary is currently sitting on five reports believed to be critical of the Government, one of which was completed five months ago.

Mr Vine warns MPs that the failure to publish his reports in a “timely” manner is “reducing their impact” and has “compromised” the independence of his role. His letter, which comes months after he announced he was stepping down early, raises serious questions about the extent to which Ms May is attempting to control critical stories about immigration in the run-up to the election.

Among the delayed inspectorate reports is one into a controversial operation to check the immigration status of anyone arrested in London, which was given to Ms May in June. A report on visa overstayers has also been delayed.

In his letter, Mr Vine says that up until the start of this year he had complete autonomy to decide when his reports were published, but in December last year he received a letter from Ms May saying that he would have to publish his reports through her department.

The latest figures on immigration to the UK are to be published today. Tory MPs have been warned to expect statistics showing net annual migration is now running at more than 200,000 – twice the Government’s target.

A spokesman for the Home Office said the arrangements had been made according to legal advice.

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