Boris Johnson misled Parliament about Partygate lawbreaking, say senior No10 officials.
Three former PM staffers said they might testify in a parliamentary inquiry his supporters call a ‘witch hunt’
Seven MPs are examining if Mr. Johnson misled the Commons on Covid lawbreaking at No10.
It examines how he told MPs ‘no Covid regulations were breached’ and ‘all instructions was followed in No 10’ although he was subsequently punished by police.
Mr. Johnson says he made the assertions at the despatch box in good faith.
The Telegraph says that one employee is prepared to testify before Harriet Harman’s investigation and two others are contemplating it.
Allies of the PM have criticised the Commons privileges committee’s ‘kangaroo court’ inquiry.
The committee’s mandate was’rewritten to assist a guilty judgement,’ they argued.
The inquiry’s wide parameters of enquiry imply the PM may be judged in contempt for inadvertently deceiving the Commons about lockdown-busting Downing Street sessions.
Despite quitting from No 10, Mr. Johnson might be expelled if the seven-member committee finds against him.
Last night, a senior Tory MP on the committee faced demands to resign after allegedly calling the PM ‘dishonest’
Sir Bernard Jenkin is one of three Conservative MPs on the Commons Privileges Committee, which is investigating whether Johnson misled Parliament.
He’s criticised the PM over supposed lockdown breaches. He proposed Mr Johnson leave with dignity rather than be driven out like Donald Trump.
Sir Bernard, a strong Brexiteer and former Tory deputy chairman, reportedly said Johnson joining Vote Leave would be a ‘disaster’
Dominic Cummings informed author Harry Mount in 2017 that Bernard Jenkin indicated Michael Gove wouldn’t visit. Boris will come if he does, which would be a tragedy.’
Sir Bernard dubbed Johnson a ‘dishonest philanderer’ in Summer Madness.
Friends of the PM said the senior Tory MP’s prior views made it hard to defend his committee seat.
One said, “Bernard hates Boris.” He can’t offer a fair hearing when he’s already decided.
Sir Bernard denied making the statements, adding, “I don’t remember saying them.” I wouldn’t use ‘philanderer.’
Sir Bernard, MP for Harwich and North Essex, hasn’t been easy on Mr. Johnson as chairman of the Liaison Committee, which examines the PM numerous times a year.
Last month, he authorised a Labour MP to announce the resignations of Johnson’s Cabinet colleagues live on TV.
As reports of Downing Street parties emerged in January, Sir Bernard told the Commons: ‘The Conservative backbenches need no reminders about how to dispose of a failed leader.’
In early July, he warned the PM, ‘Look, it’s simply when you leave now and how you go.
You can go with some dignity or you may be thrown out like Donald Trump clinging to power and claiming he won the election when he lost.’
Nadine Dorries urged for the Tory MPs on the committee to resign, saying, ‘Labour MPs’ loathing of Boris Johnson for securing Brexit and an 80-seat majority for the Government by capturing traditional Labour seats knows no limits.
This Machiavellian probe will lead to a by-election, therefore Conservative MPs shouldn’t participate.
Baroness Foster stated, “No issue with criticism, but look at the group conducting it.”
What new knowledge do they have?
No 10 will continue to support the investigation, said the PM’s spokesperson.
Mr Johnson might be removed for accidentally misleading the Commons about lockdown-busting meetings, even if he didn’t lie.