Boris files defense papers when he is slammed by MPs investigating Partygate
boris johnson It was revealed that he would turn over documentary evidence to MPs when trying to clear his name in the party gate scandal.
The former prime minister is expected to submit a statement to the Commission on Privileges on Wednesday.
Mr. Johnson is expected to appear before a panel for a grueling televised questioning and to provide written evidence by then.
In its interim report, the Privileges Committee said evidence strongly suggested that No 10’s coronavirus rule violations should have been “obvious” to Mr Johnson.
They are examining evidence of at least four different incidents in which he may have deliberately misled lawmakers in his assurances to the House that the rules were being followed.
A source close to Mr Johnson said he would provide the committee with a “detailed and persuasive” explanation that Mr Johnson did not “willfully mislead the House”.
Principality of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said he was confident Mr Johnson would present a “strong defense” early this morning.
He told Sky News on Sunday:
Asked whether there would be a free vote for Conservative MPs if the committee recommended sanctions, Dowden said it was “standard practice” on matters of the House of Commons.
“I don’t know if a final decision has been made, but it is expected that it will set a precedent,” he said.
In its interim report, the Privileges Committee said evidence strongly suggested that No 10’s coronavirus rule violations should have been “obvious” to Mr Johnson.
They look at evidence on at least four occasions that he may have deliberately misled members of Congress in assuring Commons that the rules would be followed.
Mr Johnson’s allies said they would provide a “detailed and compelling” briefing to the committee before Mr Johnson’s attendance to show that Mr Johnson did not “deliberately mislead the House”.
Sunday Times Pointing to a series of previously unpublished WhatsApp messages from senior civil servants and members of his No 10 team, it shows that he relied on their advice when making statements in Congress.
He also publishes a message that indicates other Downing Street officials believed the rally was covered by the “workplace exemption” of the lockdown rules.
The Commission’s inquiry is chaired by Labor’s Harriet Harman, but the seven-member strong Commission is dominated by Tories.
The committee will publish its findings as to whether Johnson has committed contempt of Congress and make recommendations for any punishment, but the final decision rests with the House as a whole.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would not try to influence parliamentarians on the committee, suggesting he would give Tory MPs a free vote on possible sanctions.
Suspension of Johnson for more than 10 days could eventually lead to by-elections for seats in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, where he won a majority of 7,210 in 2019. .
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