Boris Johnson exposes defense of his actions on Partygate as he faces criticism by lawmakers

boris johnson We plan to publish a detailed defense of his actions. party hall The Mail on Sunday knew before he was lashed out by MPs on Wednesday.

Former prime minister compiled comprehensive legal case claiming he was given clear advice at the time blockade gathering at downing street It was within the Covid rules which will be published in the next few days.

His defense is also expected to call into question the impartiality of the Commons Privileges Commission, which, when questioned by him, can decide his political fate.

A photo of Mr Johnson and Chief Cabinet Secretary Simon Case (other faces blurred for anonymity) surrounded by Downing Street staff shows him deliberately misleading the House of Commons about his Covid-era party at Number 10. It is at the heart of his defense that he did not let him.

Sources say any of the more than 20 No. 10 staff members who have presented evidence to the commission, many of whom are pictured, have told lawmakers they believe they are breaking the rules. I never spoke.

Boris Johnson poses for a photo with then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the No10 gathering on June 19, 2020.

Johnson is also likely to argue that the rally was held to boost the morale of the No 10, which has been hit by a wave of illnesses and contributed to the stressful work environment.

A source said, “People were dropping like flies. People were working long hours under stressful conditions and Boris wanted to keep them energized and motivated.”

“People in the photograph use the same office, the same bathroom, open the same door, use the same printer, copier, and telephone, and are exposed to the same air 16 hours a day in an unventilated Victorian building. was smoking

“The fact that many pictures were taken [official photographer] Andy Parsons’ Flickr account No 10 post shows that we didn’t think we had anything to hide.

Mr Johnson’s defiance highlights stakes that could last four hours in his public interrogation, which aired this week.

A committee of four Conservative MPs, two Labor MPs and one SNP MP can recommend a 10-day suspension from the House of Commons if it believes he has deliberately misled MPs. . rice lip sheet.

Last night, a source close to the commission refuted claims by former Interior Secretary Priti Patel of a “culture of collusion” and a lack of objectivity after members made negative comments about Mr Johnson.

A source said the collusion story was “absolute crap” and dismissed any suggestion that the commission had already made up its mind about the former prime minister’s actions.

The then-Prime Minister posed for a glass-raising photo at No10 at a gathering to mark his special adviser’s resignation on November 13, 2020.

The committee hearings coincide with a vote on part of Rishi Sunak’s post-Brexit deal with Northern Ireland and the EU, which Johnson’s supporters expect will be in their hands. ing.

A source said, “Many of those who feel that Boris has been mistreated are offended by elements of this deal and will likely fuel a rebellion.”

Mr. Snack’s decision to allow the party free votes on the commission’s findings has sparked outrage among Mr. Johnson’s allies.

“If the Prime Minister doesn’t support his predecessor standing in front of a kangaroo coat, that’s serious,” said one senior Conservative Party official.

Johnson’s supporters could also successfully claim Johnson was the victim of a “do-over” due to the controversy surrounding Partygate investigator Sue Gray’s acceptance of senior Labor positions. is expected to rise.

However, the commission said its first report this month was “not based on the Sue Gray report” and was based on other evidence, including materials provided by the government.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said, “The Commission will establish Boris Johnson. Evidence indicates that Boris Johnson did not deliberately mislead Congress.