Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has sworn "hand on heart" he did not lie to MPs about partygate events in Downing Street - and said a gathering where he was pictured holding ...

He also mentioned the Sue Gray report a handful of times. She recently resigned from the civil service to become Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff. "I asked the relevant people. David Garfinkel's dad, Ivor, died during the pandemic and he wasn't able to be with him in hospital. "I was confident, not because there has been some kind of cover-up. When asked if Mr Johnson believed exceptions to the workplace rules and social distancing guidelines applied to Number 10 but not to hospitals and care homes, he said: "Of course not." They had been working very hard. "Perhaps if I had elucidated more clearly what I meant and what I felt and believed about following the guidance, that would have helped," he said. He said: "It's clear from what I've said that I was assured repeatedly by different people and on different occasions that the rules have been followed." He calls it "sickening" and "soul destroying" that people running the country couldn't keep to the rules when millions of ordinary Britons were following them. "I was misremembering the line that had already been put out to the media about this even, which was 'COVID rules were followed at all times'," he said. He added that there is no evidence of officials raising issues about breaking rules "because that never happened" as he accused the committee of not giving people at the events the chance to explain themselves.

Former PM questioned by privileges committee about whether he knowingly misled the Commons over Covid rule breaches at No 10.

He did not quite lose his temper, but it was probably a mistake to take a swipe at Harman’s integrity and it should not have taken him as long as it did to disown the “kangaroo court” smears cast out by his supporters. Johnson lost his job partly as a result of Partygate, and the Brexiter Tory faction he now leads has, on the basis of today’s vote (see 3.20pm), been reduced to oddball rump of 22. But it does not have to be a suspension of 10-days or more, and it is not hard to see why the committee might opt for a lesser punishment. (See 3.08pm.) And his question about what Johnson would have said if asked at a press conference if a crowded drinks do was allowed in a workplace under the Covid guidance was one of the best of the day. In its report earlier this month the privileges committee said that it would consider whether Boris Johnson misled the house and, if so, it would consider “whether that was inadvertent, reckless or intentional”. The other key exchange came when Harriet Harman expressed dismay at Johnson telling MPs all rules and guidance were followed on the basis of such “flimsy” evidence. Boris Johnson’s former boss and ex-editor of the Daily Telegraph Max Hastings has told Andrew Marr:: “I don’t think you can right off Boris Johnson until he is buried at a crossroads with a stake driven through his heart… Bernard Jenkin, a senior Conservative MP on the committee, told him that the cross-party group of MPs did not agree with his interpretation of the guidance. Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former business secretary, told the World at One he would vote against the government even though he was in favour of the Stormont brake, which he said “could turn out to be useful”. Because I think he’s winning in the court of public opinion, who see this as a kangaroo court.” The former prime minister was left fighting for his political career after a tetchy three-and-a-half-hour evidence session in which he repeatedly claimed No 10 parties, with alcohol and little social distancing, had been “necessary” for work purposes. Harriet Harman, chair of the privileges committee investigating whether Johnson deliberately misled MPs over lockdown gatherings, expressed dismay at the “flimsy nature” of assurances he received that events were within the rules.

But Rishi Sunak's new deal for Northern Ireland, unveiled last month, is passed by 515 to 29 votes overall.

was unable properly to diverge and take advantage of Brexit," he added. But in a statement issued before the vote, Mr Johnson said it was "unacceptable". Despite originally billing the agreement as a "great deal for our country," Mr Johnson went on to join Tory Brexiters in bemoaning the economic impact of the checks it introduced. The original Brexit withdrawal deal negotiated by Mr Johnson introduced a series of checks on goods sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, in order to avoid a border with the Irish Republic. The vote is on a key part of the deal, known as the Stormont brake, that would give a future Northern Ireland Assembly a way to challenge new EU goods legislation. [writing in the Telegraph before the vote](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/22/go-back-eu-get-us-better-deal-prime-minister/) that Mr Sunak should "negotiate a better deal".

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a fight to save his political career at a hearing into "Partygate," one of the scandals that ...

Johnson at the time he was at the gatherings.” Did any of this apply when we couldn’t be with our loved ones for weeks as they suffered alone in care homes and hospitals, or even be there to hold their hands in their dying moments?” The committee’s most recent report on the investigation says that the evidence “strongly suggests that breaches of guidance would have been obvious to Mr. He attacked the testimony of his former top adviser turned political foe, Dominic Cummings, saying “he has every motive to lie.” Now even Johnson’s ability to sit in Parliament is at stake. I have every confidence you will show that you can be fair,” he said. At several other occasions he was pressed to stop obfuscating. The ex-prime minister is arguing that he was. The committee will not give its final report for at least a month. “I’m here to say to you, hand on heart, that I did not lie to the House,” Johnson said during his opening statement. so why was it acceptable and necessary for work purposes in Number 10?” a lawmaker asked Johnson. Johnson has since attempted to launch a political comeback.

The Committee of Privileges has published documents that will be referred to in the course of oral evidence with Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP later today.

The documents published this morning are materials that the Committee and Mr Johnson have selected, that will be referred to in the course of the oral evidence session later today. The Committee is now publishing these materials for the benefit of those following the oral evidence session so that they’re able to follow proceedings accordingly. Much of the material has already been previously published, including in the

Johnson warned the deal would either leave Northern Ireland "captured by the EU legal order" or mean that "the whole of the U.K. was unable properly to diverge ...

Though the opposition Labour Party has said it supports Sunak's deal, the PM's authority may take a hit if he is forced to rely on opposition votes. Speaking of Johnson and Truss he said: “Both of them should be backing the Windsor Framework today… plan to unilaterally override the contentious Northern Ireland protocol — which kept the region bound to EU standards on goods. was unable properly to diverge and take advantage of Brexit." He can be remembered for the great acts of statecraft that he achieved, or he can risk looking like a pound shop Nigel Farage.” In a sign of lingering Tory acrimony over Brexit, he's already been dismissed as a "pound shop Nigel Farage" by a serving minister.

The two former prime ministers will form part of an expected backbench rebellion against the agreement negotiated with Brussels.

“If that is the case, I’m going to listen to the debate. “In negotiations the PM secured significant concessions, with this deal going well beyond what had been on the table before. Johnson loyalist Andrea Jenkyns also confirmed she will be voting against the deal, tweeting that it is a “capitulation to the EU”. Conservative backbencher Peter Bone said he is “pretty miffed” about the Government’s approach to a vote as he signalled that he could join Mr Johnson in voting against this part of the deal. On Tuesday, the European Research Group (ERG) said the brake, which is intended to provide a veto on the imposition of new EU regulations in Northern Ireland, is “practically useless” following an analysis of the framework by its “star chamber” of lawyers. Mr Johnson confirmed on Wednesday that he will not be backing the deal when MPs vote on the Stormont brake in the Commons later on Wednesday, with Ms Truss set to follow suit.

Priti Patel, Iain Duncan Smith, Liz Truss and Johnson set to vote against first part of Windsor framework.

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Boris Johnson has refused to accept any fault during a crunch Partygate showdown this afternoon in which he could be ousted as an MP over whether he ...

“When people are deceptive they tend not to use a contraction in language, so in this case, by saying “I did not”. “It was not a social event. That was not a party.” The first I knew about it was when it was brought to my attention… “I was there very briefly, I did not receive an FPN. “Let me put it this way: I didn’t think the public would make any… “I thought that it was essential to thank staff for their work. Mr Johnson responded: “I was not aware that he sent that WhatsApp, he didn’t send it to me. “I didn’t look, I certainly have no memory of seeing any kind of party or illicit gathering going on in the press room that evening. I was referring to the December 18 event of the previous year of 2020. “It was entirely sensible to talk both to Jack Doyle and then to James Slack to find out, to get their honest take about what had happened, and my impression … “I asked the relevant people.

Former PM tells MPs his assurances that no rules were broken in Downing Street during lockdown were made in good faith.

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Boris Johnson told the Privileges Committee he does not think it 'can seriously mean' to accuse him of lying.

“Would you not expect us to be a bit dismayed to hear that [that assurance] was not from the senior civil servants, it was from political appointees, [and] that they themselves had doubts about it? He told the truth as he perceived it.” Because I think he’s winning in the court of public opinion, who see this as a kangaroo court.” Boris Johnson says it would have been “utterly insane” for him to have lied to the Privileges Committee today over the partygate scandal. So don’t you DARE say your parties were ‘necessary’”. We kept going. If Mr Johnson fails to convince the committee that he did not deliberately mislead the Commons, he could be found to have committed a contempt of Parliament. Mr Johnson said that he thought, at the time, the gatherings were within the rules and therefore he did not willingly mislead Mr Johnson told the Privileges Committee he had been “misremembering” when claiming during partygate that rules had been followed at all times. When it was put to him that Mr Johnson appeared rattled during the hearing, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I thought actually he modelled himself on a cucumber and was pretty cool.” He also said: “It was quite clear that he behaved properly, that he told the truth as he understood it at the time, as he had been advised. But Mr Johnson said that he thought, at the time, the gatherings were within the rules and therefore he did not willingly mislead

The former PM repeatedly insists he did not deliberately lie to Parliament in a marathon grilling.

I would want the advice of a lawyer," Sir Bernard told him. The full House of Commons would vote on any sanction it recommends. "I asked the relevant people. "It did not strike me as anything other than an ordinary common or garden workplace event." But you didn't." He insisted statements he gave to the Commons - including when he told MPs in December 2021 that Covid rules and guidance were followed "at all times" - were made "on the basis of what I honestly knew and believed at the time".

Johnson has mounted bullish defence in front of committee whose findings could lead to him losing his parliamentary seat.

However, there was opposition from those he most wanted to win over – some hardline Eurosceptics in his own party and members of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist party (DUP), who are still refusing to re-enter power sharing there with other parties. On Wednesday morning, data showed the In a crucial vote on Wednesday, Sunak won the backing of parliament for his deal – aimed a handing a veto of sorts to devolved lawmakers in Northern Ireland when it comes to the application of new EU laws in a part of the UK where a delicate political balancing act around local power sharing has had to be walked on account of a divided political history. The rehashing of the meaning and wording of lockdown rules comes as Sunak has faced a mini-rebellion from within his own ranks over a deal he reached with the EU to end years of wrangling in a key area of dispute which has dogged the aftermath of Britain’s exit from the bloc. [Johnson attempted during his evidence to draw Sunak into the Partygate saga](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/mar/22/boris-johnson-partygate-hearing-rishi-sunak), the prime minister overcame a separate hurdle as he won the backing of parliament for a key element of a reworked post-Brexit deal on Northern Ireland, despite opposition from some of his MPs. At stake are the chances of Johnson staging a comeback at a time when the current prime minister and Tory leader, Rishi Sunak, faces significant opposition from rightwing elements of his own party and polling shows the opposition Labour party in the ascendant.

MPs investigating Partygate scandal have denounced former PM's 'flimsy' explanations before committee.

If the committee decides he “recklessly” misled MPs, he faces being suspended from parliament. In one heated set of exchanges, Johnson refused to explicitly disown supporters, who have called the committee “a kangaroo court”, arguing that the best way the MPs could prove their fairness would be to exonerate him of any wrongdoing. However, he admitted on social distancing guidance: “I’m not going to pretend that it was enforced rigidly.” Yet he said the committee had “nothing to show” that he had been warned about illegal parties during lockdowns. In newly released evidence from the committee, Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, denied giving Johnson any assurances that Covid rules and guidance were followed at all times in No 10. Bernard Jenkin, a senior Conservative MP on the committee, told him that the cross-party group of MPs did not agree with his interpretation of the guidance.

Exclusive: Former PM says best course of action is to proceed with Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.

A total of 22 Tory MPs voted against the deal along with six DUP MPs and one independent MP. [likely to be useless in practice](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/21/european-research-group-slam-rishi-sunak-new-brexit-deal/)”. [the support of opposition parties](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/27/labour-confirms-will-back-rishi-sunaks-brexit-deal/). I will be voting against the proposed arrangements. “That is not acceptable. [the EU legal order](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/16/dup-still-wary-eu-law-northern-ireland-brexit-deal-vote-looms/) – and was increasingly divergent from the rest of the UK – or they would mean that the whole of the UK was unable properly to diverge and take advantage of Brexit.

There were 22 Tory MPs who voted against the deal on Wednesday, including Mr Johnson, Ms Truss, former Home Secretary Priti Patel and Jacob Rees-Mogg.

If the committee upholds the accusation it could spell the end of his political career. [Labour](/topic/labour) backed the Windsor Framework agreement signed last month. Mr Sunak has committed to giving his MPs a free vote over his predecessor’s fate, but has declined to reject claims from some of Mr Johnson’s allies that the process is a “witch hunt”. [It comes as Mr Johnson faces a grilling by MPs on Wednesday.](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-partygate-evidence-released-privileges-committee-commons-b1068838.html) [He appeared in front of the Privileges Committee](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-watch-pmqs-live-privileges-committee-partygate-latest-b1069049.html), which is investigating whether he knowingly misled [Parliament](/topic/parliament) over partygate. “And today’s measures are better, of course, than the protocol that Boris Johnson put in place, a protocol which he spoke about and those things turned out not to be accurate. Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith also rebelled.

The aim of the committee is to decide if the former prime minister deliberately misled the Commons over what he knew about the lockdown breaking gatherings ...

Can you accept that was the case?" and it only covered the rules, it didn't cover the guidance?" So what about the appointment of Ms Harman as chair, asked Sir Charles. Asked by Labour MP Yvonne Fovargue if he would have advised anyone else in the country to hold a large scale social gathering in the garden, Mr Johnson replied: "It was not a large social gathering. "I asked the relevant people. Mr Johnson repeated he had "anxieties" about the committee, but insisted he had "respect" for the work of the committee. They were senior people. Workplaces that were also operating under incredibly different, difficult and challenging circumstances?" That's why we had all the stipulations I've discussed at great length... And when people's morale did, I'm afraid, begin to sink." After Mr Johnson agreed, he continued to push Mr Johnson, saying if he had been accused of the same things, "I would want the advice of a lawyer, I would want the advice of somebody really independent and capable". And that's why we continued.

The cross-party privileges committee, chaired by Labour grandee Harriet Harman, is examining whether the ex-prime minister knowingly misled parliament about ...

“I think if this committee were to find me in contempt of parliament … Johnson acknowledged that maintaining “perfect” social distancing in the cramped conditions of No. You have found nothing to show that I was warned in advance that events in No. 10 and to thank staff for their hard work. And he challenged the committee to provide further evidence that he had knowingly misinformed MPs about what went on in Downing Street. And he added: “When those statements were made they were made in good faith and on the basis of what I knew and believed at the time.”

For around three hours, the former prime minister clashed with his interrogators in a packed committee room in Portcullis House.

I would want the advice of a lawyer,” Sir Bernard told him. “I asked the relevant people. They had been working very hard.” But Mr Johnson’s long answers appeared to test her patience. But you didn’t.” At another moment, Sir Bernard also prompted loud laughter from those watching proceedings when – to what seemed like a harrumph from Mr Johnson over the role of Sue Gray’s evidence in proceedings and a debate over one point of contention, he said: “We’re not relying on Sue Gray’s evidence, isn’t that ironic.”

The shameless former PM claimed he was only at leaving dos because it was his job to boost morale and staff deserved drinks as it was 'difficult times'

He tried to draw a distinction between legally-binding rules and guidance. He was asked whether Covid rules were followed at all times in No10. [Dominic Cummings](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/dominic-cummings) quitting, Mr Johnson said he attended the farewell party because “they left in very, very difficult circumstances”. But I will believe until the day I die it was my job to thank staff for what they had done, especially during Covid, which kept coming back, and where people’s morale did, I’m afraid, begin to sink.” But he told the Commons in December 2021: “The guidance was followed and the rules were followed at all times.” “The fact that it appears he didn’t fully understand the rules he was setting and communicating to the nation is especially galling.”

The ex-prime minister claimed a leaving-do during lockdown was "essential" as the phrase "imperfect social distancing" was born.

That was not a party.” “It was not a social event. “I asked the relevant people. They had been working very hard.” There was a flash of fury when Johnson insisted that the leaving-do for Cain “was not a party” – despite police fines being handed out for the pandemic-era event. “They will occasionally drift into each other’s orbit,” he said, accepting that “perfect social distancing is not being observed” in the image but denied it was in breach of the guidance.

The Sinn Fein leader said the Johnson administration had been determined 'to act outside of good faith'.

Those really are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement.” he has a position that at this stage a return to Stormont is not possible. “I noted Jeffrey Donaldson’s comments today…

The verdict of MPs investigating Boris Johnson has the potential to finish him, writes the BBC's political editor.

And it has the potential to finish him off. And the likelihood of his imminent return to the party leadership has seemed small ever since he resigned. But we are several steps short of that yet. Explaining why drinking with colleagues while not socially distanced was within the Covid guidance and rules. But the verdict of this committee will be a badge he will never be able to take off. Boris Johnson will then be given two weeks to read and reply to their completed report, and only then will it see the light of day so the rest of us can read it.

Former prime minister defiant as he dismisses allegations that he misled Commons as 'complete nonsense'

The former prime minister said of denials he had issued as partygate media reports first emerged: “I’m here to say to you, hand on heart, I did not lie to the House. [privileges committee hearing](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/22/nine-key-points-boris-johnsons-partygate-hearing/), the former prime minister pleaded “hand on heart” that he had not meant to deceive Parliament about lockdown-breaking events in Downing Street. [of Mr Sunak’s authority](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/02/20/rishi-sunak-brexit-news-ni-protocol-nicola-sturgeon-latest/). [he said about one event](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/22/boris-johnson-news-latest-partygate-privileges-committee-hearing/). [an opening statement](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/21/boris-johnson-partygate-defence-full/) that categorically rejected the suggestion he had deceived the Commons. They were senior people. I asked the relevant people. [saying he would “wait to see”](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/22/nine-key-points-boris-johnsons-partygate-hearing/). [rebellion over Brexit fail](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/22/tory-big-beasts-lick-wounds-brexit-rebellion-fizzles/). [have the power](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/22/boris-johnsons-partygate-privileges-committee-inquiry-explained/) to recommend that he is suspended from the Commons. [questioned his version of events](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/22/president-nixons-generation-got-watergate-got-boris-johnson/). [denying Covid rules were broken](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/03/21/boris-johnson-insists-downing-street-advisers-told-covid-rules/) at partygate events.

At the Commons privileges committee, the former PM's murderers came armed with smiles.

He said he didn’t ― and if it should have been obvious to him that he was breaching it, it should have been obvious to Rishi Sunak too. Amid his word salad, Johnson told Harman she had said things that were “plainly and wrongly prejudicial, or prejudge the very issue you are adjudicating.” She told him the assurances he used to inform parliament had been “flimsy.” Finally, he said he’d much enjoyed the day. It was important for me to be there and to give reassurance.” This fits the Johnson myth. Johnson was there to defend himself against the charge that he repeatedly lied to parliament when he said guidance was followed in No. He shuffled his papers, as handsome Bernard Jenkin, a Tory, began the questioning with exaggerated gravity, to indicate that the Tories are through with levity. “That is what I had to do!” No one replied: “It was Lee Cain’s leaving do, you maniac.” He read a statement: “I’m here to say to you, hand on heart, that I did not lie to the House.” He made a fist, and placed his hand on his chest where his heart isn’t: on the right-hand side. He swore to tell the truth on a fawn-colored Bible, but he did not look at it. [Mother of the House](https://metro.co.uk/2017/06/13/harriet-harman-has-become-first-ever-mother-of-the-house-6706051/), was in the chair wearing black, as precise as Johnson is chaotic, with a necklace that looked like a chain. House of Commons committee](https://www.politico.eu/article/boris-johnson-house-of-commons-partygate-privileges-committee-hearing-harriet-harman/) poised to rule on whether he lied to parliament about [Partygate](https://www.politico.eu/tag/partygate/), Johnson was far from his element. The classicist in him will understand: He is most in danger from his friends. The hearing took place in a dull room with expensive furniture that looked cheap and a mad mural of leaves in his eye line.

The verdict of MPs investigating Boris Johnson has the potential to finish him, writes the BBC's political editor.

And it has the potential to finish him off. And the likelihood of his imminent return to the party leadership has seemed small ever since he resigned. But we are several steps short of that yet. Explaining why drinking with colleagues while not socially distanced was within the Covid guidance and rules. But the verdict of this committee will be a badge he will never be able to take off. Boris Johnson will then be given two weeks to read and reply to their completed report, and only then will it see the light of day so the rest of us can read it.

Sir Bernard Jenkin leads Partygate committee grilling of Boris Johnson on defence dossier claims.

But it also published guidance, including for employers, on working arrangements to reduce the risk of employees spreading the virus. “I asked the relevant people. [What were the Covid rules and guidance when Boris Johnson attended parties?](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-partygate-covid-rules-what-b2305964.html) “He didn’t choose to stand against Rishi Sunak back in the autumn when we had the second leadership challenge. “This is complete nonsense, I mean, complete nonsense,” he said. I think there was a very clear message from his own ministers back in the summer that they didn’t want him to carry on.” [Blustering Boris Johnson suffers double Commons humiliation over Partygate and Brexit](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-partygate-commitee-brexit-rebellion-b2306195.html) At times he was churlish, frustrated, disbelieving, stroppy, shameless.” [Boris Johnson was warned against claiming all Covid guidance followed](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-partygate-simon-case-b2305721.html) [Simon Case](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/simon-case) said he offered no assurances in written evidence given to the cross-party privileges committee due to grill Mr Johnson later on whether he misled MPs over the [Partygate](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/partygate) scandal. “It was a bit of mess. [Boris Johnson](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/boris-johnson) is “finished”, a senior Tory MP said after a the former prime minister suffered a [day of double humiliation](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-partygate-commitee-brexit-rebellion-b2306195.html) in the House of Commons.

Tiffany Jones' world fell apart when her dad Colin died from Covid at 11.25pm on December 18 2020 - at that very moment, a Christmas party was in full swing ...

Listening to his evidence with her head in her hands on Wednesday, she said: “It’s all smoke and mirrors. “My best friend Beverley’s husband, who had dementia, died of Covid in a care home and she couldn’t even go to see him. “We all have difficult days, but the rest of us can’t use that excuse for breaking the law. “All the time he was talking to us, telling my mum that he loved her. Tiffany said: “It was sickening to hear that. London was in Tier 3 restrictions at the time which banned social gatherings. There’s no excuse for drinking the night away in a room full of people, while telling everyone else they couldn’t even meet in their gardens. She told how retired draughtsman Colin met his wife Helen, 60 when the two worked together in a meat packing factory. and tell of their anger at his attempts to wriggle off the hook over Partygate. “He’s a liar and an all-out cheat. “He partied while families lost members they couldn’t be with, who should not have died. All he could say was, I did nothing wrong, you’re all mistaken, and if I did do anything wrong it wasn’t my fault.

Former PM Boris Johnson could face a formal reprimand for deliberately misleading Parliament with his denials of lockdown-breaking gatherings.

And I think secondly, does he need advice to follow his own rules that he set?” My guess is that if there were a by-election - certainly on current polls - we would lose the constituency.” Mr Johnson indicated he could refuse to accept the inquiry’s verdict if it finds he committed a contempt of Parliament by deliberately misleading the Commons, saying he would “wait to see”. The Tory MP told Channel 4 News: “I think that if Boris Johnson went to a by-election he would win it comfortably. It would have been “utterly insane” for him to have misled Parliament, he told the Committee. Asked if the return of partygate and Mr Johnson to the headlines damaged Rishi Sunak’s chances of turning Tory fortunes around before a general election, likely next year, he added: “It muddies the waters.

Former PM told committee 'bring your own booze' event was to motivate staff because cabinet secretary had quit – but gets his dates wrong.

“He’s always known the rule weren’t perfectly – and he’s always sort of tried to cover it up ... Because I think he’s winning in the court of public opinion, who see this as a kangaroo court.” “We’ll have to wait and see,” he told Peston. I think there was a very clear message from his own ministers back in the summer that they didn’t want him to carry on.” “I think it’s impossible to judge that until we see the report.” He was churlish, frustrated, disbelieving, stroppy, shameless.”

Latest updates: Labour leader, in speech on crime, says there should be one rule for all as he takes aim at former PM's behaviour.

to go to the Met Police if something happened.” “If I had to single out the thing I was proudest of it is that – helping lift children out of poverty in marked contrast to the approach of the UK government’s welfare system, where they push children into poverty. The SNP leader had failed Scottish voters due to her “obsession with Scottish independence”. She has denied that she knew SNP membership dropped more than 30,000 in the past two years. And I think it’s important that I say that. “The government has dragged its feet at every opportunity. But I do get asked: would I advise my friends .. There should be flexibility. It will be very difficult,” says Starmer, who says he does not agree with a blanket ban. party membership figures.” “Eight election victories in eight years, that is the verdict that matters to me,” she says, listing various Scottish government policies and actions. While Ross presses her on the controversy around SNP membership figures, which las led to resignations at a high level in her party and threatened to overshadow its leadership race, she replies: “On this my last appearance here, Douglas Ross is not asking me about the NHS, or education or economy or climate justice, but this is the topic he has chosen ...

Tory MPs say Boris Johnson has been put before a “kangaroo court” as they backed his Partygate defence.

"People say “he must have known”, but as PM he was running the country and was never present at parties civil servants had. Boris Johnson has given his view of events quite forcibly and honestly to the committee. The former PM told a privileges committee inquiry that “hand on heart” he had never knowingly misled MPs over Downing Street lockdown breaches.

Ex-prime minster is among Conservative “yesterday's men and women”, says Caroline Nokes after ill-tempered partygate hearing.

[Boris Johnson](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/Boris-Johnson)’s hopes of a return to Downing Street are in ruins as the former prime minster [fights for his political life](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/boris-johnson-partygate-inquiry-highlights_uk_641b259be4b00c3e60775c87). The Tory MP told Channel 4 News: “I think that if Boris Johnson went to a by-election he would win it comfortably. Johnson indicated he could refuse to accept the inquiry’s verdict if it finds he committed a contempt of parliament by deliberately misleading the Commons, saying he would “wait to see”. “I think it’s impossible to judge that until we see the report.” Asked whether he is finished if he is punished, Nokes told ITV1’s Peston: “I think that Boris Johnson is finished anyway. [Caroline Nokes](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/Caroline-Nokes), chair of the women and equalities committee of MPs, also said Johnson was among the party’s “yesterday’s men and women” as MPs investigating his partygate denials denounced the [“flimsy”](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/boris-johnson-partygate-inquiry-highlights_uk_641b259be4b00c3e60775c87) assurances they were based on.

Caroline Nokes offers damning verdict – but Rees-Mogg claims ex-PM 'won in court of public opinion'

“He’s always known the rule weren’t perfectly – and he’s always sort of tried to cover it up ... “I think there was a very clear message from his own ministers back in the summer that they didn’t want him to carry on,” said the equalities select committee chair. “We’ll have to wait and see,” he told Peston. Because I think he’s winning in the court of public opinion, who see this as a kangaroo court.” “If the Lib Dems choose to compete hard against Labour, it might just make it possible it could be saved,” he said. There’s no question the party would face defeat to Labour.”

Editorial: The former prime minister represents a vandalistic, irresponsible ethos of government. The Tories must repudiate him unconditionally.

There is a Tory faction that resents Mr Sunak for daring to grapple with the practical reality of Brexit and for helping to unseat Mr Johnson, who is the very incarnation of government in wilful denial of that reality. Mr Johnson’s acolytes despise the Windsor framework because it is an emblem of realistic compromise that runs counter to the delusional utopian spirit of Euroscepticism as a nationalist liberation struggle. This is the vandalistic ethos that was expressed most egregiously in September 2019, with an [unlawful dissolution](https://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/sep/24/boris-johnsons-suspension-of-parliament-unlawful-supreme-court-rules-prorogue) of parliament to silence MPs who objected to a no-deal Brexit. The rebels’ objection to Mr Sunak’s proposed arrangements is another exercise in sophistry. It is a flimsy defence, amounting to a demand that MPs take him at his word – a notoriously unreliable guarantee, as even Mr Johnson’s supporters know. [statements he made](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/11/seven-occasions-when-boris-johnson-denied-no-10-broke-covid-rules) to the Commons about parties in Downing Street during the pandemic were false.

The former prime minister has made over £25000 a day in outside earnings since he left Downing Street.

The register does, however, confirm that last November the Johnsons sold their home in Camberwell – to which police were famously called by neighbours after a [loud altercation](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/21/police-called-to-loud-altercation-at-boris-johnsons-home) in June 2019. In addition to the £67,000, Lord Brownlow had also paid a further £59,000 for Johnson’s Downing Street redecoration bills, [directly to the suppliers](https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/media-centre/conservative-party-fined-inaccurate-donation-report). The Bamfords also hosted a wedding party for Boris and Carrie at their Cotswold estate last July. However, [new figures show](https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmregmem/230320/Updates%20-%207%20-%2020%20March%202023.pdf) that last month, Johnson took a further £42,500 advance from Hodder & Stoughton, suggesting work may have resumed. Johnson was reportedly given the food at “cost price” of under £19,000, but never declared the £8,000 subsidy. Johnson also took several free holidays while he was running the country, with the costs met by friends. It has still not been established where the money for this came from. In January, Johnson also reported a £510,000 advance from HarperCollins for his memoirs. Johnson nearly exhausted the £30,000 public grant that can be spent each year on the prime minister’s 11 Downing Street residence, by spending £28,000 just on paint and sandpapering floorboards. This suggests Johnson’s advance covers around 14 quarter-of-a–million-pound speeches, and could see over £1.1 million pounds come in on top of the advance. They include Brand Finance PLC, the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, investment bank Centerview Partners, the Hindustan Times, law firm Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, software giant ParallelChain Lab, Portuguese TV channel Televisão Independente, property developer Ballymore Group, Indian conglomerate the Aditya Birla Group, and Bloomberg Singapore. He also takes speaker bookings directly through his office.

Boris Johnson may have a long wait before the committee reaches its verdict following his intense grilling this week.

[Boris Johnson](https://inews.co.uk/topic/boris-johnson?ico=in-line_link) insisted to the Privileges Committee that he did not knowingly mislead Parliament in an intense three-and-half-hour grilling by MPs. These remain open for six weeks, and people can also vote via post or proxy. [indicated he will not whip any vote regarding sanctions against Mr Johnson](https://inews.co.uk/news/rishi-sunak-promises-not-to-block-boris-johnsons-suspension-2206646?ico=in-line_link), claiming such a move “wouldn’t be right” because it is “not a matter for the Government”. [Mr Johnson’s legal team](https://inews.co.uk/news/lord-pannick-who-boris-johnson-partygate-inquiry-lawyer-man-city-2220917?ico=in-line_link) with follow-up questions to [clarify any points raised during his oral evidence](https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/privileges-committee-revelations-partygate-evidence-boris-johnson-hearing-2225880?ico=in-line_link). [publicly questioned in relation to the allegations against him](https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/privileges-committee-revelations-partygate-evidence-boris-johnson-hearing-2225880?ico=in-line_link). [unlikely to conclude its inquiry before Easter](https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-partygate-report-published-after-may-elections-2227591?ico=in-line_link) and its final report may not even be published until after the [May local elections](https://inews.co.uk/opinion/voter-id-threatens-democracy-hurt-tories-2172671?ico=in-line_link).

Diehards remain, but most just don't want a byelection that would propel the disgraced former PM back into the limelight, says Katy Balls of the Spectator.

“Boris has big star power – and the party would be forced to pump money in.” As well as resources, the cabinet would be under pressure to put time into fighting it. The last thing the prime minister needs, for his party and premiership, is anything that extends the Johnson circus one day further. This would need to be voted on by the House of Commons in what Sunak has said would be a free vote. “It’s a mix of the people who really don’t like Rishi and then the Brexit ultras,” says one Tory MP. [Windsor framework](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/27/the-guardian-view-on-the-windsor-framework-facing-up-to-the-brexit-mess) was held on a day Johnson had to be in parliament – meaning Johnson could not conveniently be away and miss the vote. Yet while the mood may fall short of a Johnson comeback, the whole circus still presents problems for the government. Ultimately, only a handful of MPs – including the former cabinet ministers Jake Berry and Priti Patel – were willing to join Johnson in the public rebel camp. The fact that only 22 Tory MPs voted against the deal is seen as a success in Downing Street. In No 10, there was a conscious effort to insist it was business as usual – even if Sunak managed to find an upside to the Johnson circus by But it’s more than that – some in government are keen to show that Sunak is not scared of his predecessor. Speaking to MPs after the session, it’s a common refrain and testament to how Johnson’s power in the Tory party appears to be on the wane. Former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg declared: “Boris is doing very well against the marsupials.” Other core Johnson MP backers joined in – tweeting their confidence that the former leader would be “exonerated”.

We look at what happens now after the former prime minister gave his evidence to the privileges committee and was questioned over whether he deliberately ...

Were he to lose that by-election, the once party leader would be out of the Commons and any hopes of a return to Number 10 would be dashed. Now we have to wait to see what the committee concludes and whether it will mean an end to Mr Johnson's political career in Westminster. The lower end of the punishment scale could take place quickly, and again, Mr Johnson could return to his work as a backbencher after a brief appearance in the Commons to apologise. However, the committee itself has no powers to enact it and it will fall to MPs to decide whether to accept the findings of the report and to follow through with any sanction. But if they think he did commit a contempt, the group of cross-party MPs will recommend a sanction to the Commons that they deem appropriate. If they conclude any misleading was inadvertent or that he did not mislead the House at all, the inquiry will come to an end and Mr Johnson can carry on as a backbench MP.

Polling guru predicts the ex-prime minister would lose his seat in a by-election.

“He’s always known the rules weren’t perfectly followed – and he’s always sort of tried to cover it up ... “We’ll have to wait and see,” he told Peston. Because I think he’s winning in the court of public opinion, who see this as a kangaroo court.” There’s no question the party would face defeat to Labour.” “There’s a very big message there,” he said. The rebellion was disappointing, but for some it was causing trouble for trouble’s sake.

In the space of a month, Rishi Sunak has unveiled a well-received Brexit deal; announced legislation to tackle small boat crossings; rekindled relations ...

And the main beneficiary of that is Mr Sunak. The Venn diagram of Brexiteer backbenchers and those loyal to Mr Johnson has considerable overlap. In the space of a month, [Boris Johnson](https://news.sky.com/topic/boris-johnson-5853), the European Research Group of Brexiteers and the DUP all objected to the government's EU deal and yet [there was no big rebellion](https://news.sky.com/story/windsor-framework-government-wins-brexit-deal-vote-despite-tory-rebellion-and-dup-anger-12840173). In the space of a month, Rishi Sunak has unveiled a well-received Brexit deal; announced legislation to tackle small boat crossings; rekindled relations with France; navigated the budget and averted some future strikes. The Boris Johnson and Brexit bandwagons seem to be fading - and Rishi Sunak is the main beneficiary