Boris Johnson resigns as MP amid Partygate report controversy
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced his immediate resignation as a Conservative MP following receipt of an advance copy of the Partygate report. The MP-led Privileges Committee investigated whether Johnson misled Parliament regarding lockdown-breaching parties at Downing Street. In response, Johnson accused the inquiry of attempting to “drive me out” and claimed the process was “the very definition of a kangaroo court.”
The Privileges Committee stated that Johnson had “impugned the integrity” of the House of Commons and that it had “followed the procedures and the mandate of the House at all times.” The committee plans to publish its report promptly after meeting on Monday. Johnson received the report on Thursday and argued that it was “riddled with inaccuracies and reeks of prejudice.”
Although Johnson admitted to misleading Parliament during his March appearance before the Privileges Committee, he denied doing so intentionally. He maintained that social distancing guidelines were followed at all times during Downing Street gatherings throughout the Covid lockdowns, even if they were not “perfect.” Johnson also criticised the current Conservative government’s direction in his lengthy statement.
Johnson stated, “I did not lie, and I believe that in their hearts the committee know it.” He further accused the committee of seeking to find him guilty from the outset, “regardless of the facts.” Johnson also claimed that Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister, believed they were “working lawfully together.”
Sue Gray, former senior civil servant and leader of the Partygate investigation, was also criticised by Johnson, who questioned her upcoming appointment as “chief of staff designate” for the Labour leader. Johnson expressed his sadness at leaving Parliament and claimed that his removal was part of a larger plan to “take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result.” His resignation will prompt a by-election in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.
Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner criticised the ongoing “Tory soap opera,” while SNP Deputy Westminster Leader Mhairi Black said Johnson “jumped before he was pushed.” However, former Home Secretary Priti Patel praised Johnson’s work as Prime Minister on issues such as Ukraine and Brexit, describing him as “a political titan.”
