Boris Johnson to face investigation into whether he misled MPs over partygate

Jack Maidment and Dominic Penna
Telegraph
Thu, 21 Apr 2022 18:25 UTC

© Nicola Jennings/The Guardian

Boris Johnson has been referred by MPs to a parliamentary investigation by the privileges committee into whether he deliberately misled the Commons over Downing Street parties.

A Labour Party motion, which cites four separate comments made by the Prime Minister about the scandal, passed without division as it became clear it had the overwhelming support of those present in the Commons.

The privileges committee will now investigate Mr Johnson's statement to MPs in December that "the guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times".

It could also force the publication of photographs of the parties that have been collected during Sue Gray's inquiry.

Only two Conservative MPs gave Mr Johnson their full-throated backing during a bruising five-hour debate that saw Steve Baker, the senior Tory backbencher, urge Mr Johnson to resign and accept that "the gig's up".

Comment: The Times said Sue Gray's report 'is so damning that senior officials believe it could leave Boris Johnson with no choice but to resign as prime minister'.

Here's what Sky News had to say about the investigation:

Tory MPs had earlier been ordered to back a government attempt to delay the vote until inquiries by the Met Police and civil servant Sue Gray have concluded.

In a late reversal shortly before the debate began, Commons Leader Mark Spencer said Tory MPs could vote however they wanted on Labour's motion.

[ ...]

Defending Mr Johnson in the debate, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Ellis said the prime minister did not mislead the Commons, but made comments about partygate revelations "in good faith".

He added that Mr Johnson "has always been clear that he is happy to face whatever inquiries Parliament sees fit".

"He has responded to the event for which he has received a fixed-penalty notice," Mr Ellis said.

"He made clear that he did not think at that time, that the event was in contravention of COVID rules, however he has apologised for his mistake, paid his fine and accepted the findings of the Metropolitan Police.

Oh good, well that's the end of that then.

"There is a difference between a deliberate and an inadvertent situation and I think most people would accept that."

What a load of baloney.