…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
The Privileges Committee of the House of Commons has announced that it will promptly publish a report on whether Boris Johnson misled Members of Parliament regarding his partygate assurances.
The cross-party panel of MPs will meet on Monday to finalize its inquiry.
This development comes after Mr. Johnson sharply criticized the committee, which has a Conservative majority, calling it a “kangaroo court” and a “witch hunt.”
He also declared his intention to step down as an MP and trigger an immediate by-election.
In response to Mr. Johnson’s statements, a committee spokesperson emphasized that they have followed the procedures and mandate of the House throughout the inquiry.
They also expressed concern over Mr. Johnson’s departure from the processes of the House and the negative impact it has had on the integrity of the institution.
The committee intends to conclude the inquiry and publish its report promptly after its meeting on Monday.
Mr. Johnson accused the committee, chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman, of bias and suggested that its investigation aimed to drive him out of Parliament due to its desire to reverse Brexit.
Multiple reports indicate that the committee has ruled that Mr. Johnson lied to the Commons when he claimed that Covid rules were followed in Downing Street during the pandemic, despite reports of lockdown-breaching parties.
The committee allegedly recommended a 10-day suspension from the Commons, which would trigger a recall petition and a potential by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.
Mhairi Black, SNP deputy Westminster leader, commented that Mr. Johnson “jumped before he was pushed.”
His resignation as an MP came shortly after he published his resignation honours list, which included peerages, knighthoods, and damehoods for his close allies.
The by-election to fill Mr. Johnson’s former seat poses a challenge for the Conservative Party, as polling suggests that Labour currently holds a 14-point lead over the Tories in the Uxbridge constituency.
Even before Mr. Johnson’s decision to step down, Labour considered the constituency one of its top 100 target seats for the next general election, which is expected to take place next year.
His resignation marks the second by-election triggered on that day, following former culture secretary Nadine Dorries’ immediate resignation.
While leaving the possibility of a return to frontline politics open, Mr. Johnson strongly criticized the Privileges Committee, claiming that their unpublished report is filled with inaccuracies and prejudice and that he had no formal opportunity to challenge its contents.
The Privileges Committee’s inquiry into Mr. Johnson’s partygate comments consists of seven MPs, with the majority held by four Tories.
The inquiry involved both written and oral evidence from Mr. Johnson and other witnesses, including a lengthy session where the former prime minister gave testimony in March.
In his resignation statement, Mr. Johnson also criticized the administration of Rishi Sunak, questioning the decision to raise taxes and abandon the prospect of a free trade deal with the United States.
Despite his concerns, Mr. Johnson expressed confidence in the Tory Party’s ability to regain momentum, ambition, and win the next election.
Boris Johnson became prime minister in 2019, succeeding Theresa May, four years after his return as an MP.
Prior to that, he had served as the mayor of London and represented the Henley constituency.
His victory in the snap winter general election in 2019 enabled him to deliver on his promise to take the UK out of the European Union.
Mr. Johnson left office in September amid various scandals, including the partygate controversy surrounding lockdown breaches in Downing Street, the Owen Paterson lobbying affair, and his handling of complaints against former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner criticized the ongoing Tory political
drama, stating that the British public is tired of it and urged voters to embrace a fresh start under a Labour government.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper expressed satisfaction with Mr. Johnson’s departure, saying “good riddance” to him.