Theresa May, the former British Prime Minister, has called on MPs to back a report that found Boris Johnson lied to the UK parliament over partygate. May urged her party to show that they are prepared to act when one of their own, however senior, is found wanting. She commended the committee for their painstaking work and dignity in the face of slurs on their integrity. The cross-party committee concluded that Johnson should have faced a 90-day suspension for misleading the House when he told the Commons that Covid rules were obeyed in No 10 despite parties taking place. The committee also recommended banning the ex-premier from receiving a pass to access parliament, which is usually available to former MPs.
Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister, has refused to say whether he will take part in a potential vote, citing that he doesn’t want to influence how MPs might vote. Sunak’s refusal to back the motion has been met with criticism from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who has urged him to show leadership and take part in any vote on the report.
Boris Johnson (Via Boris Johnson/Twitter)
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper described Sunak’s refusal as an insult to bereaved families. The report’s findings have been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing Johnson of lying to parliament. The Metropolitan Police are also reviewing new material related to a Christmas party held at Conservative Campaign Headquarters during the pandemic, which was attended by several high-ranking members of the party.
Johnson’s loyalists have sought to discredit the committee’s inquiry, including by accusing its chairwoman, Harriet Harman, of holding prejudicial views. However, Harman has denied these claims, stating that she was assured by the government that she would not be seen as biased in her judgment of Johnson. The report’s conclusions are expected to be put to a vote in the UK parliament, although it is unclear whether there will be a vote or if the findings will be accepted on the nod. Johnson has urged his allies not to oppose the report, arguing that the sanctions have no practical effect, while critics argue that the level of support shown for him would have been very low anyway.
